Mindful Christianity is the spiritual discipline of consciously living a crucified life in Christ. Offering a way of denying self, picking up our cross, and truly following the Savior. (Matthew 16:24)
Humility helps us come to terms with ourselves, our relationships with others, and the direction our life has been going. It is this key that unlocks the possibilities and opportunities to shift our perspective in understanding and knowing what life is like when we place our lives over to the care of our Heavenly Father. Humility sets the foundation to cultivate faith whereby we have the confidence and assurance in God's promises and blessings afforded to us.
Are you concerned about any inevitable change and challenges that make up everyday life? Seek out wise counsel from our Heavenly Father so that you may regain a clear perspective about those challenges. Seek wisdom on changing adversity into opportunity. He will touch your heart, offer clear vision and direction, and provide peace to your mind and soul.
Part of living a mindful crucified Christian life is that we are engaged in true worship. Giving thanksgiving and praise, engaged in ministering to the needs of others, and sharing our faith and testimony in who Christ is. It is the spiritual disciplines of worship and evangelism and missionary work. Because, as much as our Heavenly Father has blessed us - He expects us to turn around and bless the lives of those around us.
How does Christ fill us up? By exposing the old attitudes and behaviors. False hopes, past regrets, the shame and guilt we've carried. By revealing to us things in our lives that no longer serve any purpose. By empowering us to gain those small victories in life where we move past our old life and grow in newness of life through Him.
The journey toward spiritual maturity lasts a lifetime. As mindful Christians, who are crucified with Christ, we are able to grow in love and knowledge of our Savior as long as we live according to His truths. When we cease to grow; either emotionally or spiritually we do ourselves a profound disservice. But, if we study the scriptures, if we walk faithfully in obedience to His teachings and commandments and live in His will - we may not be stagnant. Instead, we shall possess healthy Christian attitude and character.
When we deal with our personal faults and imperfections, we are essentially dealing with being human. These faults, imperfections, weaknesses of our humanity may cause us to become bitter and cynical about life. Our frustration in seeing the imperfections of others as a reminder of how imperfect and incomplete we feel. It is only when we begin the personal journey of living a mindful crucified Christian life that we are coming to realize that spiritual perfection is not something that happens overnight. It is a process of growth. A process of grace. A process of faith. It is also a process where we need to cleanse our hearts and minds of those things that inhibit our own spiritual growth and faith in Jesus Christ. And it is something we are not able to do of our own volition.
Living a crucified and mindful Christian life only occurs with the help of my Heavenly Father. It only occurs when there is unity in purpose and intent as I fellowship with others. I have personally come to believe that my focus on gaining and maintaining control left little room for the healthier things needed in my life. Where there was a lack of self-worth and identity - Christ restored this. Where there was significant imbalance, He restored it. Healthy relationships that are enriching and full of kindness, compassion, and charity - He provided a way to show me how such is achievable. Where I thought no available opportunity afforded me a way through my personal struggles and dilemmas - He guided me through them. All because I learned this truth: "Whatever he says to you, do it!"
When John the Baptist was taken into custody - Jesus Christ began His ministry and preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Calling forth all to believe and repent. To come unto Him and follow Him. And the invitation to repent and believe requires each person an opportunity to give up our compulsive escapes from life. Whether these escapes are co-dependent relationships, substance use, pornography, greed, sex, gluttony, lust, or emotional binges. Giving these up is what Christ meant when he called forth each person to deny themselves and to take up their cross in order to properly follow after Him. It is a call and invitation toward living a mindful crucified life through Christ where we begin to experience true feelings. Finding greater joy in life and experience the pain and suffering that comes with addressing the sins and transgressions that have separated us from God.
By turning our hearts and minds - our life and will over to the care of our Heavenly Father, there is greater contentment, peace, and joy the world is not capable of offering. Like Joseph - we come unto Christ and follow Him as a fulfillment of the Father's commandment. For when we turn our thoughts and hearts toward God, to His promised blessings, we begin to experience the peace and joy Christ offers. It is only when we continue to disobey the teachings and principles of the Gospel, we continue to experience misery and suffering.
What does it take to be the light? Humility and compassion. Willingness to put aside our own instinct to rescue them with faulty platitudes and shallow empathy. To sit with them and mourn with them. To weep with them. To comprehend what they are struggling with is difficult and real. To hear the song of their despair and embrace them in the divine love our Heavenly Father has for each of us.
Mindful Christian Living 