What's On Your Mind?

After many years of playing tennis and watching my children in their sports activities, I’ve realized that athleticism and talent are secondary to mental focus. If I can’t focus my mind to drown out all the other voices, I will lose. In sports they call it the zone. It’s when a player is so focused on the game, they don’t hear the roar of the crowd or any other distractions. If we want to walk in the Spirit, we need to get in the spiritual zone. Our mind brings us into the zone. When we are spiritually connected to God, we’re not distracted by the flurry of activity around us. We learn to trust the Holy Spirit within to guide, direct, and lead us into the right paths. We can have the mind of Christ when we meditate on the Word of God (Psalm 119:15). Meditation is simply rehearsing what God’s word says over and over in our minds. We won’t be nudged so easily by the flesh to do those things which are sinful. We can also invite the Holy Spirit’s guidance (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit gives direction and guidance in our Christian walk. It’s so easy for us to dismiss the urging of the Spirit when our minds are so busy with everything else. We can nurture our minds with Bible study (2 Timothy 2:15), being involved in a Bible study that challenges our faith and helps us to become more knowledgeable in the Bible. Every answer necessary for our lives is in the Bible. We can also discipline our minds (2 Corinthians 10:5). We discipline our minds like our bodies—we take care what we allow into it. By cutting off unhealthy visual and auditory prompts, we can restrain our thoughts more easily. Spiritual growth over fleshly desires is possible. It comes with a day-by-day, step-by-step determined spirit; an open heart; and a changed mind. Aren’t you tired of losing to the flesh? PRAYER Dear Lord, please help me have the mind of Christ in all things. Give me the strength to discipline myself to grow up spiritually. In Jesus’ name, amen.