In light of yesterday’s indictment of Aaron Hernandez for a 2012 double murder in South Boston, family, friends and sports fans are left with troubling questions. Yes, I know in America, you’re considered innocent until proven guilty, but how can a former rising star of the New England Patriots fall so far and fast? If guilt is by association, what led Aaron to entertain such bad company? What triggers someone to snap, inspiring the act to take another person’s life? The answer lies in the mindset of a killer.
According to Psalm 64, there is an enemy who uses thoughts of conspiracy and evil to steer individuals off course. The tongue serves like an invisible sword full of poison, aimed at bystanders that rub you the wrong way. Anger, rage and hatred engage violence, tempting frustrated souls to leave prudence and temperance in their rear view mirrors. Subsequently, a gang or mob mentality develops, persuading rushed vengeful acts. At this point, the sinful nature grabs control of minds, Galatians 5:16-21, leading the lost down the highway to hell, Matthew 7:13-14.
In 1972, the United Negro College Fund created the slogan, “the mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Whether you’re in high school contemplating college, a laid off employee forced to start a new career or a troubled soul bombarded by temptation, the mind plays a vital role in life’s final outcome. If unwholesome thoughts begin to creep into your brain, take the apostle Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. The sooner you take your thoughts captive, the less likely you’ll be heading toward a mindset of a killer.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 