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     In the last several articles we discussed Jesus criteria of the citizen’s daily life in His kingdom.  Citizen life is not about earning a living, building businesses or recreation and entertainment.  Enduring the devil’s temptation, Jesus rebuked Satan, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God’” (Luke 4:4).  Indeed, citizen life in Jesus kingdom is about transformation of a Christian’s character and purpose in life – “...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1, 2).

     Christians are to adapt the mind of Christ into their thought and character (Philippians 2:5).  The good apostle gave the short answer when he admonished, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  That is a tall order requiring a total transformation of purpose and behavior in one’s own life.  What is the transformation?

     “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:5, 6).  The transformation begins in a person’s heart (spirit ).  In His profound sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  That which is important to a person begins in the depths of his spirit.  This spiritual change is not only in actions, but also in thought.  Jesus informed, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27, 28).  The heart, oh that stubborn heart!

     Even a cursory reading of the Old Testament reveals man’s perpetual attitude from the beginning has been as “a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to God” (Psalm 78:8).  Obviously God is most interested in a citizen’s motive, because motive prompts behavior, thus He looks at the heart (spirit) – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).  Do you?

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