THOUGHTS, CONTROLLING
Background
The history of mankind has largely centered around a battle for the mind. What a person thinks is of utmost importance: "He who rules his spirit [is better] than he who takes a city" (Proverbs 16:32). "As he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
Words or phrases relating to the mind, such as mind, thoughts, the understanding, or the heart occur frequently in Scripture. God wants to control our minds; so does Satan.
Billy Graham says: "What you believe is important, the development of your mind is important. We are to grow intellectually in Christ. . . . Jeremiah says, 'I will put my law in their minds' (Jeremiah 31:33, NIV). God said to Joshua, 'You shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it' (Joshua 1:8). Isaiah said, 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You' (Isaiah 26:3). Will you surrender your mind to Christ, to the lordship of Christ? Will you devote your mind to Him?"
The Bible describes the unbelieving mind as "hostile to God" (Romans 8:7, NIV), blinded because of sin (2 Corinthians 4:4), and morally defiled (Mark 7:20–22). Even Christians should guard against developing "an evil heart of unbelief" (Hebrews 3:12).
The Bible also mentions the "carnal" or worldly mind (Romans 8:6), which can characterize even Christians.
Helping Strategy For the Non-Christian:
1. Explain "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.
2. Encourage the inquirer to begin to read God's Word. In this way, he or she begins to bring his or her mind into subjection to God. Offer Living in Christ for help in getting started.
3. Encourage daily prayer. The book of Psalms is filled with the language of prayer. Ask the caller to note Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:2–13, where the Lord's Prayer is recorded. These are good examples of prayers.