“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Paul spoke many times in the New Testament about the mind and the importance of having a changed mind. This relates to having a mindset that is not conditioned to this world system, but transformed by the wisdom of God. From the time that we were born, our minds are being programmed to think like the world. Our education systems are designed to help us to think in physical and scientific terms. While these ways of thinking are useful, a complete reliance on the physical senses, leaves no room for faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

The enemy of this world is after our minds and his methods uses imaginations and lofty ideas that seek to discredit the things of God. We cannot serve God through our intellect and it is through our spirits that we connect with the things of God. We have to train our minds through the spirit and put thoughts contrary to God under subjection. “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Spending time in the word increases our faith and allows our spirit to grow. Our faith is matured as we listen and understand the word. We can train our minds to focus on the things of God in order to keep out the things of this world system. We have to be conscious and make wise decisions about what we take in on a daily basis. What we watch on television and follow on the internet will have a direct impact on our minds. Binge watching crime programmes, horror films and gore for example, can increase the spirit of anxiety and fear. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7).

We have to guard our hearts and minds and ensure that we keep our minds focused on the things of God. We set our minds and affections on the things of heaven and try not to be overly occupied with the things of the world. Prayer helps to reduce anxiety as we cast our cares on God knowing that he cares for us. A daily study of the word helps us to see ourselves the way that God see us. Knowing the truth of God’s word helps us to resist the lies of the Devil and stand firm in our faith.

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

Published