The Mind

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians4:22-24NIV

Everything we do has its genesis in our minds. Decisions are made often during the day, some are good choices, and others not so good, but before it was an action, it was a thought. Our minds can be a minefield unless we use some kind of control, and that’s not easy. In fact you can be forgiven for thinking it’s not possible.

I’m sure we all have a tendency to let our minds wander around the things we would like to happen, and we did that a lot in our youth. That car, the well paid job, and yes, that lovely girl or boy that was just out of reach! Not being able to have these things didn’t stop us day-dreaming, did it? And for the most part it was harmless because no one else knew our inner thoughts, so no one was embarrassed, least of all ourselves!

The verse today tells me what we do with our thoughts can be, and is what forms the attitude of our minds and therefore our actions, and then we are essentially “created to be like God.” What a place to be. Be careful, not a ‘God Double’ or a ‘God Twin’, but created to be like God and all because of the way we are ‘made new in the attitude of our minds.’ God wants us to follow His example, and He wouldn’t give us a goal or target we could not reach. The key is the attitude of mind, straining towards holiness, but we need to want it first.

What an example and legacy if others could say about us that we have a Godly attitude of heart and mind, and it shows. To that end, let’s put on the new self where God can use us as an example to others, and help introduce them to the Kingdom of God. I suggest there is no better use of our attitude of mind, and it isn’t a day-dream either!

Hidden Heart

Have you watched the TV adverts which show how to be better, bigger, lovelier, softer, stronger, happier, etc etc…? They all have one thing in common. To be liked and loved, you need to change, and we are here to take your money and help you. So we are sold an image of a bodybuilder, a youthful looking 70 year old, happy, smiling holiday times, contented spouses, and again the list could go on. Each one depends on a change to the outer you. That part which others see. The superficial. So, does a change to the outside make a corresponding change on the inside? I fear not! Are we so stupid? Apparently we are, because the sales of these products increase every year.

The world is good, and getting better at convincing us that the answer to all our problems is a pill, potion, lotion, some makeup, or a work out. Surely we are not that gullible? Can we not see through the commercial sham? On the other hand, what if the change came from the inside? Would that make a corresponding difference to our outward appearance at no cost? Absolutely yes, and with 100% certainty! Ask yourself, who would I want to  spend the rest of my life with, a good looker or a good heart? Case closed. Once again, the Bible is not silent.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of … all uncleanness. Matthew 23:27