Caged Bird Sings Out –November 2015
Does your mind ever wander?
Mine does—sometimes constantly from one thing to another–many times quite randomly.
If I don’t pay attention to what I’m thinking, my thoughts can misdirect my day in most unproductive ways. There are plenty of opportunities for misdirection. Here are some of mine: via items on my “to do” list; via reflecting on (&/or trying to dissect) what someone said (adding layers or meaning (imaginations) that were never intended by the person); and lastly via checking in/keeping up with social media (email, Facebook…) either on my computer or smart phone.
We all can get sidetracked with our thinking and purposes for our day.
Proverbs 28:26 says that whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool. The Apostle Paul in Romans said that those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, which is death. A Christian has another option of directing their thoughts. It is with a mindset of living according to the Spirit, which brings about life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).
Paul feared for the Corinthians that just as the serpent beguiled (deceived) Eve through his subtlety (craftiness), so their minds could be corrupted as well away from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).
Some tips to keep your mind and thoughts running in Spirit mode:
- Always remember that although we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (rather principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in heavenly places-Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:3).
- A Christian’s weapons (Eph. 6:10-17) are not carnal, but mighty through God, able to pull down & destroy strongholds (2 Cor. 10:4).
- Destroy (get rid of) imaginations, arguments, every lofty opinion & way of thinking that raises itself above & against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:5; Col. 2:8).
- Take every thought captive (under restraint/control) to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).
- Bring all thoughts, pleas, questions…, with a grateful heart, to God and His peace (that’s beyond human understanding) will protect/guard your heart & mind in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).
- Set your mind on things above and keep your thinking on the type of things that are: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8, Col. 3:2).
- Reboot, Refresh, Renew your mind on a regular basis from the conformities and templates of this world and become transformed with the Spirit so you will be able to discern (test, approve) God’s good, pleasing & perfect will which leads to peace of mind (Rom. 12:2).
Trust in God and keep your mind on Him and He will keep you in perfect peace even in the midst of troubling and uncertain times and circumstances (Isaiah 26:1).
Laura
Caged Bird Sings 