Tag Archives: guard your mind

An Extension of Your Mind

You are What you Think is a popular name for a book. The most famous project was written by David Stoop in 2003. While many of these reading materials are based upon biblical principles, Stoop’s book is designed to transform your attitude. This self help aid illuminates positive attitudes which often makes the difference between success and failure. Since body language is an extension of your mind, beliefs, confidence and stability will dictate how you act, behave and interact with others on a daily basis.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it,” Matthew 7:13-14.

During his farewell address to Israel in Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses sums up life by two choices, life or death. Each action, choice and decision made is an extension of your mind. How you invest your time and money on earth reveals your true intentions and priorities. During his sermon on the Mount of Olives, Jesus makes a similar connection. However, Jesus uses an analogy of paths taken. The choices you make every day will either focus on temporary pleasures or secure eternity by following God’s will. Each choice is simply an extension of your mind.

Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever, 1 John 2:15-17.

In a letter to the Church at Corinth, Paul refers to fighting certain battles with spiritual weapons, guarding your mind against demonic and Satanic attacks. Paul urges Corinthians to take their minds captive by making their thought life obedient to Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5-6. Unfortunately, worldly desires whisper sensual cravings which often ignite lust into action. Thus, as people strive to do what is right, evil is right there with you, tempting minds to indulge your sinful nature. This ongoing battle persists daily, assaulting unprepared souls. This is precisely why a mind is a terrible thing to waste, an extension of what is really going on deep inside your heart.

by Jay Mankus

A Congested Mind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7eAgcfLnwM

At this time of the year 2 types of congestion appear, one that attacks our body and another which tries our patience.  The text book definition refers to being blocked up or too full of something.  As winter colds begin to develop within heads and sinuses, holiday traffic can elicit fits of anger or road rage.  Either one of these symptoms can result in a congested mind.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ, Colossians 2:8.

In the other 3 seasons of the year, the mind is under assault by opposing world views seeking to convert you to their ideology.  College professors do this through philosophy, challenging freshman to question their religious beliefs.  Unfortunately, a growing numbers of Christians abandon their faith before graduating, undoing the family values instilled by parents in less than 4 years.  Instead of dealing with this congestion, minds often cave into peer pressure.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

Today, if you’re healthy, just driving to and from work can give you a headache.  Whether its people with cell phones in their lap talking or texting, its miracle that more people don’t get into accidents.   Anyway, the apostle Paul urges believers to be sober-minded, aware of the schemes of the devil.  If not you will suffer from a congested mind, likely falling prey to an enemy seeking to devour lost and lonely souls.

by Jay Mankus