Before we delve into another article on the way we think, what we think about, and how our thinking impacts our faith walk, I would like to clarify something.

These articles are for Workplace Leaders. In fact, this is true for every article that God uses me to write – whether or not they are workplace focused. Why? Because God has positioned Christians in the Workplace to make disciples. That is our primary responsibility.

Furthermore, God created inLight Consulting to encourage, edify and equip Workplace Leaders for that purpose. Consequently, every resource that comes out of this ministry is for Workplace Leaders to use in making disciples and transforming their spheres of influence.

I encourage you to be a good steward of all that God is entrusting to you.

Foundational Thinking

As we have proposed previously, for reformation to occur in the Western Church, committed Christians must begin challenging the way they are thinking and what they are thinking about.

The way we think (i.e., paradigm, mindset, worldview) is built on foundational convictions. The stronger our convictions have become, the harder it will be to reform our thinking. Our minds do not like their foundations challenged.

I recognize that to even suggest such a thing is likely to set off alarms. Who am I to challenge the way you think and what you think about – much less your foundations? It is a great question. The answer is better:

I am just the pen.

You don’t have to answer to me. You don’t even have to like or agree with everything I write. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ! Hold these things up in the light of His Gospel, and the truth of His word.

I truly believe that I am simply the instrument God is using to get you to challenge the way you think and what you are thinking about.

The Old and New Covenant

The following is intended to get you thinking about what (if anything) you think about your covenant with God.

Both the Old and the New Covenant were established by God. That means He determined their conditions. It seems to me that we generally think of the Old Covenant as one of overbearing rules and regulations, and the New Covenant as something less costly to possess and maintain.

The hymn, Jesus Paid It All, has not remained popular since 1865 for nothing. There is certain truth in it. However, the title is not the whole of the lyrics, nor the full meaning of the song. Quickly following is, “All to Him I owe.”

Our minds like to focus on the former, and conveniently minimize or forget the latter. Another example is found in Romans 8:17-18:

 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Pause at the word “Christ” and you will get shouts of “Amen!!” and “Hallelujah!!”. Read the rest, and you generally get a room full of blank stares.

Jesus said that the truth will make men free. I think it is safe to assume that He meant the whole truth.

So, let me be the first to say to you: The requirements of the New Covenant are more severe than the Old.

In the Old Covenant, reconciliation with God cost the life of an animal – a small portion of someone’s property. In some cases, it might also cost the price of retribution with the person harmed.

In the New Covenant, only he who loses his life will be saved (Mark 8:35). To be resurrected into the life that saves, we must first die (Romans 5:8-10). The cost of the New Covenant is our life.

Furthermore, if we accept that being a disciple of Jesus and being saved are equivalent, then we must also say goodbye to everything, deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. That path is one of suffering with Him, that we might be glorified together. Though we are empowered by grace for these things, we must choose them daily, and in the moments our choosing is being put to the test.

Back to foundational thinking: When we hide or minimize the cost of the New Covenant, we are laying a weak foundation. When the cost is minimal, the convert has no need to understand and rely on God as the provider of the grace that enables them to keep their part of the covenant. What then are they left with?

This is one of many examples where we must begin challenging how we think and what we think about. I appreciate you taking this journey with me. I am hopeful that the LORD will use us to usher in a season of reformation.

In the meantime, God bless you with courage to share the truth with those in your spheres of influence. It will make them free.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob