Many of my devotional thoughts address the importance of the mind. That’s because the Bible has much to say about this subject. I know from personal experience the power of the mind — indeed, practice bears out the truth that we become what we think!
We are what we think; behavior is the direct result of what we believe.
Fact is, I don’t know of even one Christian who has or is making a difference in this world for God’s kingdom that hasn’t embraced this truth — not even one! That’s because your mind will always believe everything you tell it.
It’s therefore not surprising that the Bible has much to say about this! The Amplified Bible in particular fleshes this truth out:
“So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed” I Peter 1:13.
“The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.]” I Peter 4:7.
“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]” Philippians 4:8.
“Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]” Colossians 3:2.
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]” Romans 12:2.
A personal discipline I established years ago is an ongoing rehearsing of Scripture and truth-statements. For instance, each night as I’m lying in bed I recite these thoughts and verses:
“I don’t believe in defeat! I don’t quit, give in — or give up. That’s because Scripture says ‘I can do all things through Christ Who gives me the strength!’”
“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid…The LORD is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies” Psalm 118:6-7.
“With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies” Psalm 108:13.