Hosting guests for a few days can be fun, even if it means extra responsibilities. It’s worth it, isn’t it? The bonds of friendship are strengthened by those shared memories.
But, if we think of thoughts as guests in our mind, not all of our mental ‘guests’ should be welcomed!
As Christians, we are to guard the entrance of our mind.
This starts by protecting our heart from whatever is against God and what he represents. We know how little bits of evil in our mind can multiply and distract us from God. What is in our heart transfers to what we think and speak (Matthew 12:35). “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5 NIV). Our loving Father will give us the refuge we need – protection from evil – when we remain in him. In Isaiah 26:3 we read about God, “You keep him in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast on you” (ESV).
As Christians, we are to fill our mind with godly thoughts.
Wanting to honor God, our prayer should echo David’s: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 BSB, letter M in Keep on Track). How is this possible when we have so much to think about throughout the day? Having a prevailing attitude of praising God and giving thanks to him can help. Thoughts coming from a godly mindset – what is true and lovely and pure (rather than our fleshly mindset – what is selfish or unkind or bitter) will yield words and actions pleasing to God.
As Christians, we are to renew our minds as we live in faith.
Being made new in Christ, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the likeness of Christ. We are not to let sin reign in us but instead choose obedience to the ways of God (Romans 6:15-18). The apostle Paul implores those in Christ “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV).
Let’s invite God’s truths into our minds each day. Let’s meditate on them so we can put them into practice. Our God loves us so much that he will help us with this as we seek him through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. May he be glorified in our mind and our life!
Guard your mind with daily time in the Word and scripture memory using a Heart Training book! What are you waiting for?