15. A healthy mind…

Today we continue our sessions on Mark 12:30 by looking at our mental health, an important subject in our busy, clustered, perverse, and consumerist society where, at every turn, we are bombarded with thoughts that seek to keep us following our sinful natures.

And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

Mark 12:30

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So, letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.

Romans 8:5-9

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:21-24

In order to fulfil our purposes, we need to be mentally healthy. Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit who lives in us and controls our minds. What we do and think reflects on both our mental health. Are you the victim of substance abuse – food, alcohol, drugs? Do you spend too much time on the internet googling stuff you shouldn’t look at? How do you respond to scantily clad women (if you are a man) or “hot” men (if you are a woman)? What about the things you listen to, watch on Netflix, read? Do your words reflect a clear and clean mind?

Whatever is in your minds always impacts our behaviours. Dark and evil thoughts can lead to mental illness, and even suicide., Once we begin to slide down the slippery slide of allowing the thoughts of a sinful nature into our minds it becomes very easy to keep on sliding.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul gives us a bit of a checklist exhorting us to fix our thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. So, let’s take a look:

1. Do you fix your thoughts on what is true, or do you believe all the gossip you hear, or the spins on truth we get from the media? Do you check what you hear or see out with a trusted and wise friend? Do you endeavour to only speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:14-15)?
2. Are your actions honourable, and right? What programs do you watch on the television – if a scene comes up which is neither honourable, nor right do you switch channels? What about your work behaviours – are they always as right as they should be? What about those little white lies?
3. Is your behaviour pure or are you engaged in pornography (no matter how light), gluttony, sexual deviance. Are you envious? Do you want what is not yours? Do you have murderous thoughts? What about the games you play on your phone or internet – do they create negative thoughts in your mind and lead you down the rabbit hole into even darker games?
4. Finally, is what you seek out lovely and admirable? What magazines do you read? What rating of movie do you allow yourself to watch? What do you google? What kinds of company do you keep? Are you spending regular time reading and meditating on God’s Word?

How do you rate?

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I don’t always pursue the narrow path to a healthy mind letting the world’s values seep into my mind and engaging in worldly thoughts. I watch programs and films that are not pure and admirable. Lord, given me the strength and discernment to choose the right things to pursue so that my mind remains a place that is worthy of your Holy Spirit.

Amen

Action: Reflect on your mental wellness. Are there areas where you need to improve? Write down three things you can change right now to improve your mental health and commit them to God. Maybe check in with a friend or family member for accountability. Then go for it…

Journal your thoughts: