Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. (NIV)
“Whatever controls your mind controls you.” I considered the statement but then wondered, “Does it really matter what I think?”
Hypnosis is a form of mind control. Once considered a state of unconsciousness resembling sleep, contemporary thought proposes the subjects are actually awake just intensely focused. Those under hypnosis are also more open to suggestion.
I’ve never been hypnotized-nor do I intend to be, but I do have trouble controlling my mind. I suppose most people do. It tends to wander in places it shouldn’t. Places that are dangerous for me and can make me dangerous to others. Places that if I went could destroy my life, family and reputation.
And since “forbidden roads” are the ones we normally prefer, God suggests we let the Spirit control our minds. The practice makes me more aware of God’s presence. He’s with me everywhere I go. I don’t leave him at church or in the chair after I’ve read my bible or in the bed after my morning prayers.
When God’s Spirit controls my mind I want to please him instead of myself. Selfish desires develop wings and I learn to see selfless opportunities. I meditate on God’s Word since filling my mind with his thoughts makes me act godly.
When my mind is controlled by God’s Spirit, it becomes sin sensitive. Instead of seeing how close I can get to sin without sinning I try to put as much distance between me and it as possible. Spirit control instills in me a desire to follow God’s will.
I guess it’s true after all. Whatever controls my mind controls me. If Satan can entice me to think long enough about stealing, I’ll consider it. Or curse. Or plot revenge. Or lust. I’ll become greedy and fill up with pride. I’ll get angry and hate my enemies. I’ll neglect the needy and forget to pray. But thinking God’s thoughts will lead me to do the opposite.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, control our minds so when we’re tempted to think less than we should, we’ll think more like You. www.morningliteministry.com
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