Session 3: In the last session, I shared with you some common symptoms that show up when a church leader has an unclear mindset. In this session, I want to share with you a few things that will lead to an overall better and clearer leadership mindset. A clear leadership mindset will ultimately produce a better rhythm of life with Christ and with the people we love the most.
1. The first key to bring overall clarity to our minds is simple: Take on the mindset of Jesus.
Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…”
The next few verses of Philippians 2 contain a pretty good list of what His mindset is like. I encourage you to go read those verses carefully and prayerfully. You will see how very important it is that we take on the mindset of Christ.
Philippians 4:8:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
This scripture gives us a glimpse of Jesus’ mindset. We need to think on these things; if we do, verse 9 promises the God of peace will be with us.
2. The second key to a better mindset: Develop a Growth Mindset.
Romans 12:2: “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.”
It’s important to see from this verse the fact we must continually renew our minds. We have to continually refresh and grow our minds…and therefore, our mindset. If we are intent on pursuing the will of God in our lives, we must develop a growth mindset.
Dr. Carol Dwek is one of the leading psychologists on mindset. She wrote this:
“This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts, your strategies, and help from others. Although people may differ in every which way—in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments— everyone can change and grow through application and experience.”
To me, this is psychology at its best. It is incredibly true because it is absolutely biblical. The fact of the matter is, if you can cultivate a mindset of growth, there is no doubt you can and will grow.
The person you were yesterday doesn’t have to be the same person you’ll be tomorrow. The Lord gives us the opportunity to develop ourselves - to develop and grow our minds. That is my personal aim.
What are some things you’ve done or ideas you could start doing to take on a growth mindset? It may help to write them down somewhere and keep them in front of you for a few days.
3. The third key to a better mindset requires diligence: Wash your Mind with Prayer and Word.
Ephesians 5:26: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word...”
There’s something about the Word of God that washes us. It cleanses our hearts and our minds. What an incredible concept and promise that we can be washed “of water by the Word.”
There are so many examples in the Bible of people cleansing themselves with prayer. Psalms 51 is a powerful and primary example of this. (Sometime soon, look up that passage and in addition to reading it, pray it. That’s what the practice of washing your mind by prayer and His Word actually is.)
As a church leader, if you don’t have a daily dose of prayer and the Word in your life you cannot expect to automatically have the mind of Christ. Nor will you have a clear leadership mindset. Prayer and the Word are critical aspects of having a clear mindset. It must start today!
4. The fourth and final thing that will bring clarity to your mind is this: Use Key Relationships to Filter Your Thoughts.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
I must have other people in my life and must give them significance. The people I draw into my circle of family and friends are there to help me filter my thoughts. They comfort me, edify me, and provide relational nutrients needed to bring growth to my life. They will help bring clarity to my mind when things might be just a little bit foggy. I need others in my life.
By nature, I’m a bit introverted, yet still I acknowledge my need for people in my life. In fact, I actually have built a team of people I call my life team…and they are my source of that kind of comfort and edification Paul spoke of to the Thessalonians.
The only way those relationships in my life work is to make myself vulnerable and available to them, and, also on my part, to provide those same relational nutrients to them. I must be able and willing to offer comfort and provide edification to them. Those same people I give to are the very ones who will bring light and clarity of mind to me when I truly need it.
Ask yourself this probing question: Do I have someone, outside my immediate family, who provides relational nutrients that help me think more clearly? Identify one additional person and take time to write down a step you can take to begin building greater and stronger relationships.
The last few years of my life I’ve been on a personal journey to find a greater rhythm of life. I want to have a greater clarity of mind. I want to know the vision the Lord has set before m. I’ve studied books and content. I have worked to develop a growth mindset. I pray. I study the Word. I have key people gathered around me to provide clarity and accountability. I am, personally, a testament to what these principles can do in a person’s life. They have made all the difference in the world in my life.
(*If you want to know more about how I structure my life and bring a greater rhythm to my life, you can find a free 7-session course called Leader Life in Rhythm on my website: churchleadermadesimple.com.)
Isaiah 26:3: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…”
When the mind is in alignment and is balanced with the will of God, then everything else in life can follow.
Identify your “people” – develop those relationships – set your mind and heart on Him. It will make all the difference in the world.
Copyright © 2021 Ryan Franklin. All rights reserved.
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