Our mind holds the key to how we act and perceive things. Protecting the mind is very important for everyone, Christians and non-believers alike. How you think shapes what you do, attract into your life and how you live. Your mind controls your conscious and unconscious state.
In chapter 52 of the book, “Your life if worth living”, Fulton Sheen gives his perspective on the mind and how to perfect it. In my simple words, it is the root of your being and happiness. It can take you down a path of self-abhorrence or arrogance, it needs watched and submitted to Jesus.
What impacts your mind? What your read, what you spend time watching, doom-scrolling, who you spend time with, your perception of others and yourself. Not having guard rails around what your mind is being fed will result in strange behavior that is hard to explain even to yourself. e.g. bouts of anger, preconceived notions put in place by something or someone other than you.
I had the good fortune of resolving a conflict with a loved one recently and I noticed that a lot of accusatory words were being thrown at me. They were not coming from a place of hate, they were coming from a place of strongholds that were embedded into the mind of this individual. When we sat down to parse it out and see that the issue at hand needed resolved with the data we have currently and not the past, present or future, we were able to resolve it. But it gave me a chance to help them realize that their mind was drifting away from Jesus and hence the strongholds.
When we do not protect our mind, we lose control to how we think and act. Satan and his minions get a chance to mess with us and make us feel like we are not in Jesus’ loving embrace anymore. It impacts our relationship with God and others. It is a slippery slope that if not checked will lead to lots of heart ache and pain.
How do we submit our mind to Jesus? First easy step is to spend time is scripture. Second, when you have thoughts pop in your head, take them to Jesus, initially you will feel like everything is slowing down but once it becomes a habit, it is like having a conversation in your head, only with Jesus. Third, start your day with prayer, pause every chance you get to pray and end your day with prayer. Ask God to lead and guide you through everything you think and do.
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
-2 Corinthians 10:5
Jesus, Paul and Isaiah in the Bible have some really good advice (this should not come as a surprise) on how to renew the mind.
“Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “
-Matthew 22:37
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
-Romans 12:2
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
-Colosians 3:2
All this for the peace only He can give us. Protect your mind and enjoy the blessings you will experience. May peace reign your life.
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
-Isaiah 26:3
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.”
Dear God,
Please help me stay close to You and never take my mind off You. Help me protect my mind from the worldly noise that tries to separate me from You. May my thoughts and actions be for and through You. In Jesus’ Holy name I pray. Amen.