Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 14, 2014
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Are you mentally engaged with eternal thinking? The world’s cares can be so demanding that they can cause us to disengage from capturing our thoughts for Christ. Like an AWOL soldier our thinking can wander into enemy territory and fall into false reasoning. Instead, the Lord desires that His children proactively capture every thought and make it obedient to Christ. Mentally engaged Christians are conscious to intentionally think well.
Thoughts can be fleeting and flirt with sin, or they can be disciplined as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Indeed, intentional intellectual engagement with God’s word instructs us in integrity. It’s those who pay the price not to resign their thoughts to the trends of society who grow in their conviction to not compromise their character in Christ.
“Love the Lord your God with… all your mind” (Matthew 22:37b).
Jesus described mental engagement as a love relationship with Him. Does your mind pursue the Lord, as a suitor pursues his sweetheart? Sadly, some experience a joyful marriage of salvation with Jesus, but never grow in a fulfilling relationship that flows from loving Jesus, knowing Jesus, and obeying Jesus. Mental engagement initiates often.
Perhaps you start with an hour less entertainment each week and replace it with contemplation on Christ and His ways. Attend an informal small group Bible study or a formal classroom study on a book of the Bible. By enjoying wholesome films that inspire faith and hope, you use media to mature your mind in Christ, not compete with Him.
“Finally, brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Excellent work requires mental engagement, especially when you are easily distracted by disinterest or another opportunity. Don’t mentally resign or retire when you are in transition to another job assignment. Be a good example of finishing well in your work.
Your proactive plan to prohibit the devil’s half-truths rests in filling your mind with wise thoughts. Like a full cup of coffee that has no room for any additional liquid—so a mind full of Christ’s thoughts has no room for knowledge that’s against Him. Thus, allow your master Jesus to mold your thinking into His thinking and you will gladly act accordingly.
“For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct them? But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Prayer: How can I grow my thinking so I am mentally engaged in what matters most?
Related Readings: Psalms 10:4; 139:17; Romans 7:25; 12:2; 1 Corinthians 1:10
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Controlling our thoughts is the biggest challenge we face and it’s my prayer that through communion with Christ and prayer he can guard are thinking and remind us when we are going astray in our minds.
Dear Sam~
Amen!! It is so true. Thank you for reaching out to us. We always love to hear from our fellow wisdom hunters.
Have a wonderful day, Sam. Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne