Winning The War For A Godly Mind
Winning the war for a Godly mind is a never ending fight. Because it’s one battle after another. And there is a real spiritual adversary who knows our every weakness and attacks the most fertile field for reaping a sinful harvest. Our minds. Here are three ways to fight back.
Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Fill it with Godly thoughts.
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. (ESV, Philippians 4:8)
What fills your mind will occupy your thoughts. So a Godly mind is intentional about what it lets in and allows to stay. Of course there’s Mindspace reserved for work and family obligations. Along with other cognitive calculations in the grind of daily life. But beyond them, what sources of news, entertainment, and lifestyle do you consume? Because they drive your thoughts. Frame your attitudes. And form your worldview. Too much slop causes brain rot. And gives your adversary, Satan, much to work with.
Therefore, guard what gets in. A great way to start your morning is by reading God’s Word. Play inspirational music in the car, when doing chores, and at work. Read, watch, and listen to content that promotes what is pure, lovely and admirable.
As you actively consume content that honors God, your thoughts will more regularly influence actions that honor him too.
Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Keep it purposefully directed.
Behavior is seldom completely random and impulsive. It begins with a thought. And thoughts are rehearsals for actions. Therefore, purposefully direct those mental rehearsals in a positive manner by…
Capturing your thoughts
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (ESV, 2 Corinthian 10:5)
Capturing your thoughts involves immediately addressing the ones you want to push out. Rather than trying NOT to think about them, consciously replace them by turning your mind to other thoughts.
Renewing your mind
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (ESV, Romans 12:2)
Our minds are plastic. And while we can’t eliminate bad memories and negative thought patterns, we can diminish them by building new, Godly memories and thought patterns. God’s Spirit renews our mind as we honor him through praise, worship, and feeding on His Word. These new thoughts and activities influence Godly behavior that forms a new, Godly character.
Leaning on God’s mercy
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV, Lamentation 3:22-23)
We won’t win every mental battle over sin. But God is gracious. And as we regularly confess our sin and seek God’s forgiveness, he covers us with His mercy. In that mercy and by God’s grace, our minds can reset and start fresh with each new day.
Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Rest in God’s peace.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (ESV, Isaiah 26:3)
A Godly mind will celebrate complete victory in an eternal future. But it can still experience a present peace. Because peace in a Biblical worldview is more than inner tranquility or lack of conflict. It is achieved through a right relationship with God. So rather than seek within for peace, reach up to God. Because real peace is experienced through His presence in your life.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
