Romans 12: 2, 2 Corinthians 10: 5, Ephesians 6: 14, Phillipians 4: 13, Philippians 4: 8

Dan & Teresa Phillips

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2

The mind is an amazing thing. As a psychology graduate, the way the mind works fascinates me. The way the mind can work also worries me at times.

Too many people (including myself sometimes!) are governed by their mind and feelings too much. I think that this is a mistake that we make sometimes. Your mind can harbour many thoughts that are contrary to the word of God, and that is why I say that it can be a potentially dangerous thing.

I believe that the mind gets people into all kinds of trouble. the lad who has low self-worth and believes no woman would ever be interested in him because he listened to the feelings and thoughts of low self-worth. the person addicted to pornography because they allowed their minds to think lustfully... the anorexic girl who listened and dwelt upon thoughts that she was fat.. the spouse who has an affair because they kept on thinking about that other person...

Can you see a pattern here? We need to guard our mind against thoughts that are untrue, unholy and unworthy of our time and attention. Jesus said that committing adultery in the heart was as bad as really doing it. So how do we overcome this sin?

1. Firstly, I believe it is more simple than you think. It is a simple matter of making a mental decision to refuse to dwell on thoughts that you know are contrary to what God would have you think. When the thought comes in, DON'T let it control you - refuse to think it and push the thought away. If you know a thought is wrong, then its simple - don't think it... 'We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ'. (2 Corinthians 10: 5)

2. Batter the thought with the word of God- it won't stand for long. If you don't know what the Bible says about what you struggle with - find out! Wear that belt of truth (Ephesians 6: 14) firmly tied around your waist!

3. Ask God to renew your mind (Romans 12: 2).

What is it that you struggle with? Thoughts of low self-worth, feelings for a person that you shouldn't have feelings for, lustful thoughts, wistful thoughts of regret, disbelief of God's word? Do not let them in - batter them out. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phillipians 4: 13) and remember - Jesus was tempted but he did not dwell on the thoughts of temptation - he chose not to - and so remained perfect. You have God's power working in you, so make the decision today not to struggle with this!

'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.'
Philippians 4: 8