My confession is as follows.

On Sunday afternoon, we were shopping in the mall for a new mattress.  There happens to be a Select Comfort at the mall, otherwise I'd prefer not going during this busy time, the holidays.

While there, we had a typical saleman trying to persuade us to make a purchase before we left the store.  I was becoming annoyed with both him and his manager.  Rob and I were trying to discuss our options and they kept interjecting their opinions.  I finally told Rob how I wished they would "shut-up."  (  naughty...)  Rob gave me a look and immediately I felt bad.  He thought the salesman may have heard me???  Oops.

We left the store without making the purchase, but I felt bad the rest of the day (until I prayed about it) for my poor example.  

This past week, God has been teaching me how we are lights in this world and the salt of the earth.  I felt like a complete failure.  

Here's what was awesome - after leaving the mall we went to Target to pick up a few gifts.  As I was searching through a rack of sweaters a store employee walked by singing, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine."  I immediately turned to see who was singing, knowing God was talking to me AGAIN.  The singing lady was probably the 5th reminder this week how I must be salt/light in this world.

All I know is that God is merciful and He's clearly trying to bring this seed to maturity.  I failed with the salesman, but I will have plenty of opportunities to get it right and I think I'm ready now.

Matt 5:13-16

13 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.

14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
AMP

Yesterday, I read this portion of Scripture, and began asking God if maybe I've lost my "saltiness." 

My reason for asking was because the night before, we were out for dinner with some friends and family.  There was something lacking in our conversation and as I look back - God was missing in most of our conversation.  

Then I asked, "How are we the salt of the earth?" 

John 15:12-19

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world , but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

I gather from the Scriptures, we are in the world but not of it.  We are lights in the world, a city set on a hill CANNOT be hid.  We don't light a lamp and hide it.  Instead, we put it on a stand - to GIVE LIGHT TO EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE.  We don't hide our light - God in us.

We are to be this light/salt/city on a hill.  We've been chosen to be set apart for HIS purposes.  Being set apart for His purposes is true holiness as far as I understand.  Focusing on outward appearances to determine holiness, will cause people to miss the mark.  The Pharisees were clean outwardly, but full of dead men's bones inwardly.

I found these few Scriptures pertaining to being lights in the world and yet not of the world.

John 9:4-5    4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.  5 As long as I am in the world , I am the light of the world.
KJV

Phil 2:13-15    13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world ;
KJV

1 John 2:15-17    15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world . If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16 For all that is in the world , the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
KJV

1 Peter 2:11-12     11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world , to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
NIV

I'm pretty convinced that being salt and light is being separated "unmistakably" from the world.  The world is the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  These things are not of the Father, but of the world.  

The type of separation I believe the Scripture is supporting is doing the Father's works, bringing forth fruit of the Spirit - LOVE being the greatest.  This would be separated by works, but also in purpose.

Gal 5:16-25     16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
KJV

We must wholly depend and lean on Him, our faith is in Him - not in our own works.  Without God we can do NOTHING.  That's why we walk in the Spirit, our flesh will only bring us under the law of sin.

Rom 7:18-8:9

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

KJV

Today, somehow the boys and I got onto the subject of "pride" during devotions.

We came across some good warnings in Proverbs - the following are from the New International Reader's Version.  Josiah has The Adventure Bible for Young Readers - it is one of the best children's Bibles I've ever seen - there are many study facts and commentaries age appropriate (6-10 year olds)!

Prov 16:5  The LORD hates all those who have proud hearts.  You can be sure that they will be punished.

16:18  If you are proud, you will be destroyed.  If you are proud, you will fall.

18:12  If a man's heart is proud, he will be destroyed.  So don't be proud if you want to be honored.

21:4  Proud eyes and a proud heart are the lamp of sinful people.  But those things are evil.

26:12  Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a foolish person than for him.

29:23  If a man is proud, he will be made low.  But if he isn't proud, he will be honored.

30:32

Have you been foolish?  Have you thought you were better than others?  Have you planned evil?  If you have, put your hand over your mouth and stop talking!

I particularly like the last one :o)  How many times have I thought I was better than others - unfortunately too many times to count (even in a day).  LORD help me, (and He does). 

This past Sunday, I was praying near the altar area and I opened my eyes to look at the people all around.  I've been a part of this congregation for most of my life so I know many of the people personally.  As I looked around, I saw people that I really know and when you "really" know people you may even know some of their weaknesses.  The Lord spoke to me about how love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. [Prov 10:12.]
AMP

Well, as I look at today's topic of discussion (pride) and Sunday's message from God (love) they fit perfectly.  How can I love my neighbor if I'm full of pride - thinking that I'm better than others?  I fervently asked the Lord today to "delivery" me from pride.  I can't imagine anyone having NO pride - somehow I think it's a part of our human nature - it's a constant fight.  But the Lord help us to be on guard - guarding our hearts Prov 4:23-27
23 Above all else, guard your heart ,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
NIV

Well, that's it for today - I have a lot to ponder and let "sink in."

Today, I look back at a week full of good experiences (it's only Wednesday).

We've been committed to serving people "with" our children.  This last week, I

had a chance to watch both of our boys (10 years and 6 years) meet the

needs of different people.

Saturday we spent a little bit of time at a homeless shelter in Milwaukee serving

people.  Our boys are learning compassion and so are we.

Monday, Josiah (our 10 year old) taught English to my 53 year old sister.  

My sister recently received her GED and is going back to college.  To do this

she needed to take a course in English.  She's been frustrated with the

instructor in the technical college near by, because she's not getting the

education she really wants.  The instructor has the tendency to push her

along even when she "just isn't getting it."  Sound familiar?

Anyway, on Monday my son Josiah who is now doing 6th grade English sat

with his aunt for probably 2 hours and she left feeling like she learned more

from him than she's learned all semester in her English class at MATC -

imagine that!  I was soooo proud of how patient he was with her and then

how much she appreciated his help - praise God.

Monday night we visited a nursing home and did Christmas caroling and

then did a craft with the residents.  We don't have much to do as far as

organizing anything - we just show up and help (it's perfect for us).  My

friend Jenny works at the nursing home and has welcomed our visits.  I sat

there on Monday and watched both of our boys interact with the elderly. 

Again, it was such a good experience.  Both of the boys have been there

before (it was Angelena's - our 2 year old - first time).  The boys were kind

and considerate and spoke with such gentleness to the elderly.  I could see that

they truly cared and respected the people - I was gushing with gladness as I

watched.

It's in these moments that I thank God for the opportunity to serve with them - I

wouldn't trade this for the world.  I want so much to make a difference by raising

children who love God and their neighbors.

Today, I'm tired and we're taking a break.  We worked this morning on school

but this afternoon - I needed a nap and took one with Angelena.  Josiah and

Elias have been playing with their cars for the last 2 hours!  They haven't fought

once (that I know of).   Thank you Jesus for the time of rest.

This entry is just an outlet.  I haven't been talking on the phone much lately to

my friends (not enough time) and sometimes I just need an outlet for these thoughts

and feelings.

Does anyone else have a difficult time saying, "No"?

Reading Boundaries has been a blessing.  It's caused me to think more about how

often I quickly accept an invitation to do something or how quickly I accept a new

commitment/responsibility.

Prov 31:16

16 She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [Song 8:12.] 
AMP

Today, I had to tell someone I can't watch their baby boy on Fridays anymore.  It

started out being every Friday.  Then I told them I wanted to change it to

Thursdays, but "they" wanted to keep him with me on Fridays - so they cut back to

an average of every other Friday, sometimes two in a roll, sometimes not.  Today, I

finally told them - I can't do it anymore and they need to make other arrangements. 

I just can't do it.  I feel maxed out.

The problem is I feel guilty, because I wish I could help.  In fact, I'm looking at the

situation and thinking - why can't I handle this.  It's not that often.  What's the deal? 

Fridays seem to get busy and when I have Benny (he's almost 1 year old) I have

to stop what I'm do for the whole day, unless he's napping or playing with my boys

in their room with the door locked (away from Angelena).  He comes at about 7 - 8AM and his mom picks him up at about 6 PM.  That's pretty much my whole

day.  The reason I have to stop what I'm doing is because my two year old

Angelena thinks he's a toy and wants to play with him.  She makes him cry and I

have to be on the look out all day long AND within reach - in case she's trying to

pick him up.  I've tried spanking her, but it's all day long.

Anyway, why do I feel like I need an excuse to say, "No."  I feel guilty just saying,

"I don't want to."  Am I being selfish?  These are the questions that people with

"Boundary" problems ask. 

When I was single, I had people's children all the time - for weekends, overnight, etc....  Now that I have my own, I feel like I'm just doing what I can to maintain

and do a good job with my family responsibilities.  Sometimes when I'm doing

better and I feel ahead of the game, I'll offer to help someone with their children -

but usually I'm doing all I can to keep up with my own. 

I can go and make a meal, clean house or something else for people, but watching

their kids is something I don't offer much of these days.  Why?  All I can think of is

I am maxed out with my own THREE.  Not even a large number, but it's all I can

handle right now. 

Alright, if any one has a thought, PLEASE SHARE.

thank - Vetta

The meaning of parable of the sower

Luke 8:11-15

11 Now the meaning of the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God.

12 Those along the traveled road are the people who have heard; then the devil comes and carries away the message out of their hearts, that they may not believe ( acknowledge Me as their Savior and devote themselves to Me) and be saved [here and hereafter].

13 And those upon the rock [are the people] who, when they hear [the Word], receive and welcome it with joy; but these have no root. They believe for a while, and in time of trial and temptation fall away (withdraw and stand aloof).

14 And as for what fell among the thorns, these are [the people] who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked and suffocated with the anxieties and cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not ripen (come to maturity and perfection).

15 But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just ( noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience.
AMP

I've been considering this parable for the past two weeks.  My biggest concern is

that my heart is good soil.  My son's Bible (New International Reader's Version)

says the good ground is an "honest and good heart". 

I'm also preoccupied with the thought that we can have ears that do not hear, eyes

that do not see/perceive, and a heart that does not understand.

Jesus said,

Luke 8:8

8 And some seed fell into good soil, and grew up and yielded a crop a hundred times [as great]. As He said these things, He called out, He who has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him consider and understand by hearing!
AMP

We have been given the chance to understand the secrets of God's kingdom.

I want to be ready to "hear" from God, so that I can produce fruit a hundred fold.

Luke 8:10

10 He said to them, To you it has been given to [come progressively to] know (to recognize and understand more strongly and clearly) the mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that, [though] looking, they may not see; and hearing, they may not comprehend. [Isa 6:9,10; Jer 5:21; Ezek 12:2.] 
AMP

We've been warned of what can happen.

Isa 6:10

10 Make the heart of this people fat; and make their ears heavy and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and turn again and be healed.
AMP

I'm not sure how it affects you, but when I consider where we can be without ears

to hear - it's frightening. Selah.  [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Well, I've got to go - kids and husband are running all around me.  It's Friday night

at the McDonald house.

I was feeling sorry for myself today, actually for the past week.  Rob's late work

hours take a toll and sometimes I give in to exhaustion and even self pity.  I was going to

take a nap while my toddler took hers and while the boys played quietly - but instead God

had me read a few pages from a book called "Everyday Greatness."  It's amazing to me

how God is concerned with even our little pity parties.  He doesn't approve of them, but He cares enough to pull us out of them, just ask Him for help.

Being married to a man like Rob - there is no time for pity parties.  He keeps going

with or without me.  God has used this characteristic in Rob to teach me some hard lessons.  While I lay there in bed crying, Rob is working hard to accomplish goals and visions that only he can see.  I either get up and get with it (as Rob would say, "Suck it up") or lay there all by my lonesome self -

I decided to share this personal story to show that God cares enough to pick us

up when we're down and teach us something through it.  Following are some excerpts from the book - God was speaking so clearly to me - it was "A word fitly spoken."

I read four stories of men who gave selflessly to make a difference in the lives of people around them (some strangers, others famly, etc...)  It was very touching - I honestly wept as I read.  

"It is in spending oneself that one becomes rich."  - Sarah Bernhardt

"The dead take to the grave, clutched in their hands, only what they have given away."   - DeWitt Wallace

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic.  It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." -Arthur Ashe

"The mass of men worry themselves into nameless graves while here and there a great unselfish soul forgets himself into immortality." -  Ralph Emerson

"The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard."  -Gaylord Nelson

"Seldom can a heart be lonely if it seeks a lonelier still, self-forgetting, seeking only emptier cups to fill."  - Frances Ridly Havergal

"To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own."  - Abraham Lincoln

*********************************************************

Then God led me to the following Scriptures - I hope this will encourage someone else.

Prov 31:27

27 She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
AMP

1 Tim 5:14

14 So I would have younger [widows] marry, bear children, guide the household, [and] not give opponents of the faith occasion for slander or reproach.
AMP

Titus 2:5

5 To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited).
AMP

My tongue has always been a challenge to tame.  Every time I think I'm doing well - I am rudefully awakened to reality.  The only thing I can do is hope in the Lord to give me the strength I need to do better :-)

I've pasted some good Proverbs regarding our words/tongues.  Be encouraged. 

Prov 10:19-21

19 In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.

20 The tongues of those who are upright and in right standing with God are as choice silver; the minds of those who are wicked and out of harmony with God are of little value.

21 The lips of the [uncompromisingly] righteous feed and guide many, but fools die for want of understanding and heart.
Prov 10:31-32

31 The mouths of the righteous (those harmonious with God) bring forth skillful and godly Wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut down [like a barren and rotten tree].

32 The lips of the [uncompromisingly] righteous know [and therefore utter] what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked knows [and therefore speaks only] what is obstinately willful and contrary.
Prov 12:18

18 There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Prov 13:3

3 He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Prov 14:3

3 In the fool's own mouth is a rod [to shame] his pride, but the wise men's lips preserve them.
Prov 14:23

23 In all labor there is profit, but idle talk leads only to poverty.
Prov 15:1
15:1 A SOFT answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. [Prov 25:15.] 
Prov 15:2

2 The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool pours out folly.
Prov 15:4

4 A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.
Prov 15:8

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain]; not so the minds and hearts of the self-confident and foolish.
Prov 15:23

23 A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment — how good it is!
Prov 15:26

26 The thoughts of the wicked are shamefully vile and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasing words to Him.
Prov 15:28

28 The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. [1 Peter 3:15.] 
Prov 16:2
16:1 THE PLANS of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.
Prov 16:27

27 A worthless man devises and digs up mischief, and in his lips there is as a scorching fire.
Prov 17:7

7 Fine or arrogant speech does not befit [an empty-headed] fool — much less do lying lips befit a prince.
Prov 18:6-7

6 A [self-confident] fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A [self-confident] fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
Prov 18:20-21

20 A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. [Matt 12:37.] 

Examining my own heart, this topic has been with me for some time.   Have you ever noticed when women get together, they often start comparing themselves with each other?  Whether it's their homes, children, husbands, weight, talents, insecurities, etc...  It's a negative kind of habit, people don't leave encouraged but discouraged.   2 Cor 10:12 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise . KJV I'm sure we could all come up with quite a few reasons why we think it unwise to compare.  Couldn't we just be content with being who we are?   I just did a chapter in Boundaries with our book club and it asked questions regarding envy.  I've never been an envious person, EXCEPT when it came to women who could deliver multiple babies and still have a great figure.  God has been talking to me about  this envy and He is delivering me from it.  The focus should not be on someone else, but on why I feel the way I do, and what I can do about it!  Proactivity.    Gal 6:4 4 But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor. AMP   Gal 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. [Prove his own work] Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another-not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath left us an example that we should follow his steps. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)   Although this particular Scripture is referring to people who might think they're BETTER than another person - by comparison, I think the principle still applies.  Comparing period is unwise.  When I've compared my body with another woman's I've almost always fallen short and have left discouraged.  What's the sense?  Shouldn't I just be asking myself, why I look the way I do and what "I" can do about it?  It's really common sense...   Just a thought.

We just got home from our Tuesday Bible study.  It is just sooooo good!

We started 1 Corinthians today.  I am inspired and provoked to be "spiritually" minded or to strive to have the mind of God.  I thank God for His Spirit that leads us into all truth. 

1 Cor 2:11-16

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
KJV

How can we have the mind of Christ?  ONLY by His Spirit.  We cannot know the things of God, but by the Spirit of God.  We have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God - that we might

1 Cor 2:12-16

12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.

13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].

14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].

16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa 40:13.] 
AMP

Doesn't this inspire you to make sure you're being lead by His Spirit?!  I want to know God!  I want to learn His ways and teach them to others...

Well, it's a late night, I need to get some sleep - God bless you.