THE BATTLE FOR THE MIND-2
Several other recommendations are outlined in the Bible to help the mind grow on the edifice of a mind led by the Spirit of God.
‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things’ (Colossians 3:2).
Rather than always being engrossed in the affairs of this world, a Christian needs to reflect on the Lord’s coming and the eternal life that has been promised; the things of eternal value through his life- that which will not be stolen nor will gather rust. Thoughts about forgiveness, love, service, reflecting on the needs of others rather than being focused on the mundane materialistic pursuits of life will do a world of good to a Christian as he attempts to build up his mind.
‘Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things’(Philip 4:8).
If a Christian could stop his thoughts and check if they are within the divisions outlined above at all times, his mind would be a stronghold for God.
‘But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night’ (Psalms 1:2).
Nothing is as effective for a Christian as reading and meditating on the word of God. Doing so is more than reading a script. ‘For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart’ (Hebrews 4:12).
Finally in the words of Paul, ‘We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinth 10:5).
Dissecting the ‘knowledge’ peddled by the philosophers of this world, discerning the truth based on the word of God, allowing God’s principles rather than empty worldly pretensions to run our lives and taking captive each thought within our minds to perfect internal obedience is the call of every Christian. Painful though the process might be, the promise of life and peace as a Christian marches to eternity is reward enough to encourage him onward in this journey.
