“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Where our minds go our hearts will follow.
The Lord warns us throughout the Bible to keep our focus on him, not allowing the things of this world to envelop our minds. A single thought can take us entirely off the path he has for us.
It is written:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Anything we need to “guard,” needs protection. Recognizing we are in a daily battle against our sworn enemy, and his, God arms us with all we need to protect ourselves from attack. Central to this armor is the helmet, which guards what? Our minds!
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 NIV
The enemy, this world and our own flesh will betray our thoughts if we allow them to. A single thought has created many a tragedy.
It is written:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
David thought of Bathsheba, Ammon thought of Tamar, and Judas thought of himself. These are just a few of the many biblical examples that show why we need to guard our minds.
It is also written:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” Philippians 4:8 NIV
The is only one Way, may we focus our thoughts on him.
Love one another.
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.