Discipline of Mind

“Finally, brothers, 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).

The potential of the human mind is staggering! No matter how advanced we become in developing technology, and even in the ever increasing science of AI, we will never even come close to coming up with what God equipped each of us with! The apex of what God has given us is found when, as believers, our minds become possessed with the mind of Christ! Paul affirmed this when he said, “But we have the mind of Christ” — a mind which is constantly renewed (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:16 and Romans 12:2). No computer will ever be able to think God’s thoughts, nor will any device ever be able to know the heart of God or do His works. But the mystery which resides between our ears has this capacity. Indeed, it was created for this — to have the mind of Christ.

Unfortunately, too many of us as believers  may worship and pray as Christians, but we do not think as Christian! Why is that? When we turn to God’s Word, we find the Biblical writers understood the problem; “Above all else, guard your heart,” says Proverbs, “for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). “For as he thinks within himself, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7, NASB). The Scriptures tell us rightly that input determines output — that our programming determines production.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul gives us a divine plan for programming our mind. “Finally, brothers, 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.” Each ingredient was, and is, a matter of personal choice — and our choices make all the difference in the world. We all can choose a thought program which will produce a Christian mind. As Christians we are free to have a Christian mind. It is within our reach, and it is our duty.

“I am aware of the wise warnings against using words like “all,” “every,” and “always” in what I say. Absolutizing one’s pronouncements is dangerous. But I’m going to do it anyway. Here it is: It is impossible for any Christian who spends the bulk of his evenings, month after month, week upon week, day in and day out filling our minds with the influence of the world through livestreams, social media, video games, and other contemporary media content, to have a Christian mind. This is always true of all Christians in every situation! A Biblical mental program cannot coexist with worldly programming.”

If we are to have Christian minds, there are things we must put out of our minds — and this extends beyond your screen, to what we read, listen to, and laugh at. What comes in and what goes out. If you cannot control what you watch and read, perhaps it needs to go

Think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, italics added). The word he uses is logidzamai, from which we get the mathematical computer-like word logarithm. It means a “. . . deliberate and prolonged contemplation as if one is weighing a mathematical problem.” We are to think about the wonderful elements God wants us to put into our computers. God calls us in His Word to a massive and positive discipline of the mind.

And we must make a conscious effort to submit to the Divine Programmer through reading His Word. There has got to be some holy sweat. “. . . train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7, 8). Prayerfully commit yourself to reading and studying God’s Word and reading the great works of those who have studied God’s Word before you.

Questions:

1. Have you made the discipline of reading through the entire Bible? If not, when will you?
2. How much time do you spend in front of a screen for entertainment compared to time you spend reading God’s Word or the “great works of those who have studied God’s Word before you?”
3. Based on the various methods of influence and input your brain receives, what kind of programming is happening?
4. In what ways do you need to work toward implementing God’s programming?

Prayerfully make your commitments now.

Adapted from Kent Hughes’ book Disciplines of a Godly Man, chapter 6