PURPOSE: The power of a growth mindset
Now, more than ever, I have been grasping on how vital and important repentance is and why it should be a priority in a believers life.
To anyone who may not know, simply put, repentance is defined as having a godly sorrow/remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin.
The reality I further understood about repentance, is that it more than the event that takes place at the altar, it is more than saying sorry but it is also about completely rearranging your entire way of being, showing transformation, setting yourself on a new trajectory and acknowledging that God reigns supreme.
metanoeō (μετανοέω), the Greek word for repent is translated as ‘to change one’s mind’, ‘to turn around’ or ‘to change your thinking’. This signifies a shift in thinking and a transformative change of heart, often with a spiritual or moral connection
Teshuva (תְּשׁוּבָה), the Hebrew word for repent literally meaning to ‘return’ or ‘turning back’. This signifies a deeper act of transformation, a change of mind and heart and a movement towards a positive direction, often towards God or a more moral path.
I’m sure by now we can clearly see that repentance is more than a moment of remorse but it is the moment that ignites the desire for transformation. It is the moment that ignites a change of fundamental attitudes and outlooks of life. Desires of the heart change and God once again takes His rightful place in the orientation of our whole life.
After remorse comes a change of mind. A change of mind equates to a change of mindset.
MINDSETS:
Mindsets are a collection of beliefs, attitudes, assumptions, and perceptions that shape how people view themselves, the world, and their place in it. They can be difficult to change because they are deeply ingrained in a person's beliefs. However, mindsets can be altered through conscious effort and self-reflection.
Mindsets can be influenced/shaped by the following:
Experiences: Positive experiences with learning, for example, can lead to a growth mindset, while negative experiences can lead to a fixed mindset.
Environment: The beliefs, values, and attitudes of the culture, family, or community can influence mindset.
Genetics: Some people may be more likely to develop a growth mindset due to their genetic makeup.
Education: Education can shape beliefs and thoughts.
Religion: Religion can shape beliefs and thoughts.
Upbringing: Upbringing can shape beliefs and thoughts.
Social norms: Social norms can influence mindset.
Arguments: Arguments can affect mindset, especially if they occur before trying to close a deal or finish a project.
Moreover, there are different types of mindsets you will come across but I would like to briefly bring your attention to fixed and Growth mindsets:
The growth mindset belief is that skills and knowledge can be developed and improved over time through effort, learning, and perseverance. A growth mindset attitude accepts challenges and fears failure less because it is an opportunity to learn and grow. People with a growth mindset embrace the belief that their potential is not fixed and can always grow.
The fixed mindset belief is that knowledge and skills are fixed and unchangeable, so there is no inherent ability to succeed if you are not born talented or in a good situation. A fixed mindset attitude avoids challenges (and so failure) because their abilities cannot be developed and improved. People with a fixed mindset usually do not try to better themselves and often feel threatened by others' successes.
One thing I believe to be true and essential on the journey of transformation is that it will require you to develop, cultivate and steward a growth mindset. In order to make room to grow, adapt, change or even to turn away means you will need to acknowledge that challenges and failures will come and though they come, it is an opportunity to learn and grow. Potential and transformation is not fixed, but there will always be room for more.
Growth is an inevitable part of the process of the believer. There are many scriptures you will find embedded in the Bible emphasising the ongoing process of becoming more like christ as an individual and within the body.
But in so many cases, you will see just how important a growth mindset is, in the everyday this includes developing through dedication and effort:
Some examples:
Seeking God's Word:
1 Peter 2:2 encourages believers to "desire the sincere milk of the word" to grow in their salvation.Continual Learning:
Proverbs 1:5 states that "a wise man will hear, and will increase learning".Transformation:
Romans 12:2 emphasises being transformed by the renewing of one's mind.Putting Away Childish Things:
1 Corinthians 13:11 reminds believers that as they grow, they put away childish things.Growth in Grace and Knowledge:
2 Peter 3:18 calls for believers to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ".Fruitfulness:
John 15:5 emphasises the importance of remaining connected to Christ as the vine, so one can bear fruit.Community and Mutual Growth:
Ephesians 4:15-16 describes the body of Christ growing together in love, with each part working properly to build itself up.Moving Beyond Infancy:
Hebrews 5:12-14 encourages moving beyond the elementary teachings of Christ toward maturity.Overcoming Challenges:
James 1:2-4 suggests that trials and challenges can be opportunities for growth and the development of perseverance.Spiritual Growth as a Journey:
Philippians 3:12-14 emphasises that growth is a journey of pressing on towards the goal, not about achieving perfection immediately.God's Role in Growth:
Philippians 1:6 assures that God, who began a good work in us, will carry it on to completion.Seeking God's Word:
1 Peter 2:2 encourages believers to "desire the sincere milk of the word" to grow in their salvation.
Then list continues. But though the perfect reality would be for us all to have a growth mindset, the reality is that some experiences have shaped us into having a fixed mindset. One that limits us into maximising potential and becoming. Growing and adapting. Experiences that have made us crippled with fear to dare to step out. But the good news is that God can breathe on our minds. He can deliver and heal us. And with conscious effort and self reflection, mindsets are highly changeable.
But until then, let us pray:
Dear God, I come to you today seeking a growth mindset. Help me to see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to learn and grow. Grant me the courage to embrace new experiences and the wisdom to view setbacks as stepping stones on the path to improvement. Help me to believe in my potential and to understand that my abilities are not fixed, but can be developed through effort and perseverance. May I cultivate a mindset that is open to learning, adaptable to change, and driven by a desire for continuous growth.
Amen.
Love always,
TM x
