The mind is an amazing network of spaghetti-like associations. While we can only really think about one thing at a time, that one thing is generating massive numbers of connections, processing an untold amount of information every second. In a way, we can only think about one thing at a time, but we are always thinking about everything as well. The question is, “to what associations will we allow our thoughts to most easily go?”
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
The person and work of the historic Jesus Christ are more than a series of events that occurred and created salvation for us. That is great enough, but there is more that we can attain to. By making Jesus a part of our every association, bringing Him into our spaghetti-like machinations, we receive also an ENVIRONMENT of Christ. It is as though He is all around us, in everything. Because we have associated Him with everything. That is not to say we associate him always positively with what is around us, but that we have indeed seen those things around us in light of His person and work. Grace is given because Christ gave it to us. Justice is dispensed with an acknowledgment of Christ’s nature of justice. And on and on.
It is in this place (environment) that the Holy Spirit is most accessible to our spirit, and guidance can be most readily seen, acknowledged and carried out. People who practice speaking with Jesus over a cup of coffee often witness to the changing power of the familiarity of it. Jesus takes His rightful place as a very real player in our lives, instead of the ethereal, mystical something or other that we cannot relate to, but he often becomes, in our minds. He is actually with us, a part of our thinking. Some saints of the past have played a game of minutes, seeing how many minutes a day they can think about Jesus – just so that He is a part of everything they do. The writer of Hebrews tells us – look to the witnesses, look to Jesus, and throw off the sin that entangles you. On a practical note, one of the greatest encouragements I have in staying pure is thinking of my grandfathers who have passed and are in heaven wishing me strength. I think it’s a beautiful picture. They are my cloud of witnesses to the grace of God. But beyond this, seeing how Christ endured hardship and seeing my hardship through that lens is a blessing that is hard to quantify. Some may say, “but for the grace of God go I”. Question: do you look to Christ as a historical figure? Do you stare at His dedication and allow it to lift you up to strength? Throughout the day, do you naturally think of Jesus and how he would handle your life? Do you want to? Maybe it’s time to play a game of minutes as well.