Upside Down Thinking

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Colossians 3:10

Can you remember being a little child and constantly wanting to climb on trees or monkey bars and hanging upside down? There was a freedom that was experienced from locking your legs and having them braced while the rest of your body dangled. Do you remember the rush that you felt when all the blood came flooding to your brain? As a child, I loved to be able to see the world upside down. Everything looked different from this perspective. It was new and fresh!

Did you realize that we as Christian’s should have the same upside down approach to life? Everywhere we go we are bombarded with the idea of gravity that wants to pull down our thinking. In a lot of ways, we forget what we have in Christ. Paul spoke to the Corinthians, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:5)” Anything that lowers our ideas of God need to be removed from our thinking. Paul explained the world’s thinking in Romans 1:21 “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” For those who are “in Christ,” we should not live as those who have no hope, but those who have an illuminated mind through the Holy Scriptures.

Let me illustrate this lesson by relaying today’s events in my life. I have spent time in the prison, nursing home, and convalescent center. These are not the most appealing places in our world. For many, it would be hard to visit places like this, because they can seem so depressing. Men living in jail for “x” number of years, elderly strolling around in wheel chairs and asking for the next coffee break, and an elderly lady exploring like a child the linen closet are common sights to see. From the world’s perspective, these people are washed up, lost their chance in life, and are useless. However, God is getting glory and His purposes will be fulfilled, because all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

As I visited the prison, I talked with my inmate and he told me how he was sharing Christ with the younger men that were struggling. At the nursing home, I saw beautiful teachers and nurses who were being taught by the elderly. Often those ministering are blessed more than those receiving the care. Finally, at the convalescent center, I visited a man who had been praying and singing praises to God with a broken voice at the age of 96. In the face of death and having lost his wife, he was singing and praising Christ for the glories and new life that awaited him. He wasn’t down hearted. He said he had been praying for a visitor today, and I was the answer to his prayer. As I sat and listened to a man who had traveled the world, I noticed how frail his body had become, but I couldn’t help but realize the sharpness of his mind as he spoke.

During our conversation, he said that the song, “What shall I leave behind?” rang inside his tabernacle of clay. He said he would soon be gone from this life but so much more was awaiting him. He lived, served and shared Christ everywhere he went and was still dependant upon God like a little child hanging upside down from the monkey bars.

The world is in great need of God-centered, Christ exalting, Word of God submitting, Cross-focused, and people-loving individuals who will not be satisfied with the status-quo, man-centered, self-seeking mentality that is all around. The church has been filled with this same worldly mentality. Jesus says, “Go, make disciples, baptize and teach, because he has all the power in heaven and earth.” May God raise you up because the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits (Daniel 11:32b). Be encouraged and free in the truths of God’s Word!

Looking upside down,
Brian Johnson