Sunday, March 8, 2015

The Importance of Guarding Your Mind

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NASB95)

The importance of this week’s study and devotionals on mental health simply can’t be understated. You see, your mind is the primary battlefield on which the war for your life is being waged. You can even say every other aspect of this Transformed study, from spiritual and physical health to relational and financial health is linked to your mental health. That’s why it’s so important for you to choose God’s best for your mental health.

There is an axiom that began in the software engineering world that says, “trash in, trash out.” You probably remember hearing it put this way as a child, “You only get out of something what you put in.” This holds true for work, education, relationships and yes, your mind. If you put garbage into your mind, garbage will be manifested in many areas of your life with disastrous results. To make matters worse, you now live in an age where anyone with a television, a video player, a computer or a smart phone has instant access to any kind of content the enemy wants you to get your hands on including garbage that is toxic to your mind.

If you’re going to choose to make the most of your mental health through God’s plan for your life, you must remain diligent in guarding your mind against the enemy’s attacks.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) — 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

In Old Testament culture, the human mind was referred to as the heart. Therefore, the best understanding of this verse becomes guard your thoughts. You can do this is by being more selective of the kinds information to which you expose your mind. Here are three approaches to becoming selective with what goes in to your mind.

Reduce your access to media and entertainment that introduces toxic information into your mind.

1 Corinthians 10:13–14 (NASB95) — 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Truth for Today: If you spend more time with media in your home than you do God, there’s a good chance it has become an idol that interferes with your Christian walk.

1. Replace toxic information with Godly information.


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

Truth for Today: Simply put, the more time you spend meditating on virtuous things and especially the Word of God, the less time you will have for useless and even toxic things.

2. Prepare and equip your mind.


Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 (NASB95)

Truth for Today: One of the best ways you can prepare your mind to defend against the enemy is to continually place your hope in the grace that God extends to you through His Son Jesus.

What Did You Hear?
What Do You Think?
What Will You Do?
Now Talk to God...

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