This whole chapter, Romans 12, has long been a favorite of mine. The whole text has such powerful words and direction for our lives. Take a look at it today, if you have a few minutes, HERE. I especially like the first verses shown above. Paul reminds us that being a follower of Jesus Christ involves a consistent attitude of surrender. We are to offer our bodies and minds – all that we are, all that we possess – as a living sacrifice to God.

The next verse is just as profound. We are warned against being overcome (polluted? overly-influenced?) by the world and its priorities. We are implored to give our creator the permission to change us – to transform our minds. It is interesting that obedience and sin both seem to start in the mind. We make the decision to do what God asks of us (or not to) in our thoughts – which will lead our words and deeds to follow.

This is one of the big reasons why it is so important to be careful what we allow into our minds. Paul says in Philippians 4:8, “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.” As someone long ago said to me: our minds are like computers – if you put garbage in, you’ll get garbage out(!) However, if we focus on God and the pure, holy things of his, then we are more likely to reflect his holy attributes in our actions.

Martin Luther once said, “You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” The same might be said of tempting thoughts. It might be very difficult to keep every negative thought from entering your mind, but you can choose not to dwell or act on them.

Let us make the choice today to fill our minds with the things of God and his kingdom. Let us allow what goes into our heads lead to actions that bless those people whom God has put into our lives today.

Just something to think about ;-)

God bless you!

Gary