The Mind and the Bible

The mind is a powerful tool that can be used either positively or negatively. We often set our standards by what seems reasonable to the human mind--and it gradually leads us farther away from God's perfect standard. The phrase, "the mind of Christ," is found in Paul’s writings. In Philippians 2: 5-8 Paul appealed to Christians by saying, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus". Having "the mind of Christ" involves thinking His thoughts, loving what He loves, hating what He hates, and having the same desires and goals that He expressed. Those seeking the mind of Christ will eagerly try to follow in His footsteps. It is our desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and to imitate His expressions of the mind of Christ. These footsteps include obedience to God's Word, the authority of scripture, the way of salvation, separation from the world, the necessity of forgiveness, and the nature of the hereafter. 

The Bible speaks often of the mind. The mind is where our good and bad thoughts are formed and can be the enemy’s playground. Romans 8:6-7 states, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so”.

The Bible also speaks of renewing your mind by breaking free of our daily routine. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect”. Colossians 3:2 states: “ Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth”.

The Bible also calls for all Christians to follow the path the Lord has chosen for them and not concern themselves with the affairs of others, as stated clearly in I Thessalonians 4:11, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you”.

We need to pattern our lives by "the mind of Christ"--and make Him our example and model for living, thinking, and acting. We must make it our goal to accept His truth, and walk in His way, always surrendering to His will. May we be challenged to demonstrate the same attitudes that Jesus exemplified when He walked here on this earth.