Attacks on the Mind
Here are some examples of attacks on the mind:
A troubled mind – 2 Kings 6:11 (ESV) “And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?”
A depraved mind – 1 Timothy 6:5 (ESV) “and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.”
A sinful mind – Romans 8:7 (NIV) “The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”
A dull mind – 2 Corinthians 3:14 (NIV) “But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.”
A blinded mind – 2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV) “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
A corrupt mind – 2 Timothy 3:8 (ESV) “men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.”
How do I guard my mind against these attacks?
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The first way you guard your heart and mind is “in everything” to pray.
Paul says that we should fix our thoughts. “Think about these things.” How do you do that? By concentrated focusing.
Philippians 4:8 (ESV) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Patrick and Annemarie