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...