Guarding the Mind

“But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” (Mark 8:33). Peter got in trouble with the Lord with the same reason I get in trouble. I don't know about you but one of my greatest desires is to have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:!6). This has been my most difficult goal in life, controlling my mind. According to Jesus’ teaching, and my life experiences confirms, the mind directly affects the heart and with the heart is where we sin. From anger to adultery the heart gets dirty because the mind is not squeaky clean. It’s no wonder there is so much in the Bible about the mind. Paul writes in Philippians four to think on the good things. The Old Testament says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3). I have experienced this peace but it seems there is a small period between this peace and “the sin which clings so closely”, (Hebrews 12:1). May I encourage you today to join me in working on the mind? I have found it to be a daily task.

Perfect Harmony

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. - 1 Corinthians 1:10. Harmony between believers is very important to God. You know that person that rubs you the wrong way? Think of that one individual that maybe you go to church with or work with that you really could care less if you ever saw them again. Do they belong to God or even further should they belong to God? Throughout Scripture we are not only encouraged but commanded to love our neighbor. Your neighbor first starts with those who are believers and continues to those that need to be believers. Our option to pick and choose whom we love and care for is eliminated when we say yes to God. There is a reason for this for God doesn't make a rule without a purpose. We need God and we need each other. If you say you love God and have a hatred, big or small, to your neighbor you are being untruthful about your love for God. (1 John 4:20). My encouragement for you today is to examine all your relationships because they are directly related to your relationship with your Creator.