An undirected mind invites spiritual disaster. When thinking for ourselves is too much trouble, we allow others, who do not have our best interests at heart, to think for us and, like untethered balloons, we allow our minds to drift along in whatever direction the wind may be blowing. The path of least resistance begins in the mind and will lead to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). We must not allow the world to do our thinking for us.
Directly or indirectly, the New Testament is filled with admonitions to practice mental self-discipline. The apostle Paul writes the Colossians, saying, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1–2). Again, in his letter to the church at Philippi, he writes, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Then, again, the inspired writer of Hebrews encourages mental self-discipline, saying, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2). These are but a few of many passages in the Scriptures that exhort us to practice mental self-discipline.
It is possible to focus our minds in the wrong direction. So, as we set our minds, make sure that we set our focus in the direction of God and His word. In many ways, no direction is as harmful as the wrong direction and, in the end, amounts to the same thing. “The difference between misery and happiness depends on what we do with our attention” (Sharon Salzberg). We have a choice in the direction of our thoughts. Choose thoughts of God. Immerse yourself in His word and “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).
— Glen Elliott —