You may have heard it; "Don't be so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good." For lack of a more eloquent curiosity, "What in tarnation does that even mean?" Not only is it not scriptural; it's the exact opposite of what God says. Even more disheartening is that it's believers and leaders in the body of Christ who have this mentality. Christians trying to be more earthly minded is the precise reason why too many of their lives are in the condition they're in. Being heavenly minded is what God tells us to be; it's the crux of what causes us to actually be of earthly good.
Romans 12:2 in the Amplified says, " Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs]..." The Lord says NOT to think earthly and adapt to it's superficial ways. He goes on to say, "but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God..." Renewing our minds doesn't mean to earthly ways of thinking; but to God's way, for His thoughts are higher than ours.
Paul urges Christians in 1 Corinthians 3 to turn away from the attitudes the world regards as wise. In fact, he says in order to become wise they must give up worldly wisdom. All over the book of John we're told that we are "in" this world, but not "of" this world; believers are no longer ruled or bound by its principles.
Another good one is Romans 8:5 & 6, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." It flat out says to be carnally minded is DEATH! Colossians 3:1 "Therefore if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
Another good one is Romans 8:5 & 6, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." It flat out says to be carnally minded is DEATH! Colossians 3:1 "Therefore if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
In order to be of earthly good, to be light in the world; shouldn't we walk in and live with higher perspectives and heavenly mindsets? How can we expect to change the world by thinking or behaving the same way the world does? The previous passages solidify the truth; but Colossians 3:2 pretty much puts an end to the debate; "Set your mind on things above and NOT on the things that are on the earth."
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