The state of one's mind is important. Solomon said, "For as he thinketh in his heart so is he. . ." (Prov. 23:7). It is important that we keep our mind in a good state, for God "searcheth the hearts and knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit. . ." (Rom. 8:27). Let's take a look at some good states of the mind.

A Sound Mind

The word sound as used in this lesson means "to be healthy, sound in health or wholesome" (Vine). Paul said, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7). Young men are exhorted "to be sober minded" (Tit. 2:6). Do you have a sound mind?

A God-Glorifying Mind

One purpose of our minds is to glorify God. Paul told the Romans, "That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 15:6). We glorify God in being a Christian (i Pet. 4:16); in speaking as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11); and the purpose is, "that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever" (1 Pet. 4:11).

A Pure Mind

Christians are admonished to keep pure (1 Tim. 5:22). Peter said, "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance" (2 Pet. 3:1). One way to keep a pure mind is to "think on pure things" as Paul admonished the Philippians (Phil. 4:8).

Brethren-Caring Minds

In our society, just too many do not care! Paul wrote the Corinthians, "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another" (1 Cor. 12:25). Paul said of Timothy as he wrote the brethren at Philippi, "For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state" (Phil. 2:20). How much do you care?

Humble Minds

"The word humble primarily signifies low-lying. It is used in a good sense in the New Testament, metaphorically, to denote of low degree, brought low" (Vine). God's people must be humble-minded. Paul said he served the Lord with "all humility of mind. . ." (Acts 20:19). Again Paul said, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Phil. 2:3). Peter said, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Pet.5:6). Christians are told to put on a number of things. One of these is humility. "Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering" (Col. 3:12). There is no place in the Lord's church for haughty minds.

A God-Loving Mind

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matt. 23:37). Before people will obey God, they must be taught to love God with all their minds. Jesus said, ". . .If a man love, me, he will keep my words. . . He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings. . ." (Jn. 14:23-24). We must learn to love God above every thing else. Let us do some checking on our minds!

Truth Magazine XXI: 38, p. 604
September 29, 1977