In the New Testament, Paul was very clear about the need to be intentional about what we focus our minds on. He began by stating that it is not a heaven-or-hell issue. In fact, most issues of personal growth are not like that. (We ask whether or not we will go to hell if we do something as a way of getting away with as much as possible.) Rather, it is a matter of our ability to grow in a personal, intimate relationship with God, which overlaps with the need to grow in the formation of Christlike character.
For example, "'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up" (1 Corinthians 10:23). My citizenship in God's Kingdom, my essential acceptance by God, may be guaranteed. However, there are some elements of my life that may not be helpful. Some of my choices may not have the affect of constructively building the character and quality of my life.
A basic element we normally control is what we focus our mind on. In fact, Paul stated that the key to our personal transformation is "the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). The same verse indicates that the tendency to "be conformed to this world" also has to do with our minds. Paul made some fairly extreme statements about the stewardship of our minds.
"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set
on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit
have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. For
to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is
life and peace.
For
the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to
God’s law; indeed, it cannot" (Romans 8:5-7). What we set our minds on that results in a certain mindset has a direct and profound impact on our ability to "live in accordance with the Spirit."
Paul uses a very important word behind the translation of "have their minds set." It's a word that refers to the faculty of our minds to judge and perceive. It includes the thoughts and purposes of our minds. Simply put, it describes the objects of our thoughts. Paul very simply summarizes the possible mindsets as being "what the flesh desires" or "what the Spirit desires," the thoughts that are natural to the "flesh" and those that accord with the Spirit. Some thought patterns, some mindsets, are naturally generated by our own self-centered, self-indulgent nature, reinforced by the mindset of the surrounding culture. On the other hand, the Spirit of God has a certain pattern of thinking, a special perspective and attitude, a way of thinking about things. As we learn to "set our minds" on those ideas and attitudes that are a part of the mind of the Spirit, we will be able to more naturally think God's thoughts and respond in a way that results in life and peace.
Paul used this same word in Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." While it looks like Paul is just wanting us to be "heavenly minded," he frames his exhortation in the verses before and after. Colossians 3:1: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." A mind set on things that are "above" is a mind set on Christ. Colossians 3:3: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." If our life as a Christ-follower is a life "hidden with Christ in God," then a mind set on Christ in his glory is a mind set on our own true life, both now and in the future. And then there is a promise in Colossians 3:4: "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Think of it!
It would be very helpful if Paul would give us some specific examples! Well, as a matter of fact, he did. " He encouraged the Philippian disciples to "not be anxious about anything" and to allow the peace of God to guard their hearts and minds (4:6-7). And then he said this: "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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). Here is a list of the positive, helpful, beneficial, uplifting thoughts that we can purposely fix our minds on.
Paul uses a different word for "think about" in this passage. It's the word that in other contexts refers to calculating or reckoning. It simply means to deliberate or to take into account, to consider the character of something. Paul is providing us examples of those ideas that could pass the "edification test," or as I think of it, the "Lynda test" (since Lynda was very sensitive to this issue). It would greatly benefit us if we would think about these kinds of things.
True. Think about things that are true to fact, that conform to reality. Think about things that are actual and unconcealed. While a healthy imagination can be very godly and powerful, some fantasies move our minds, and our character formation, in the wrong direction.
Honorable. Think about things that have a serious purpose, that inspire respect. Think about things that are venerable and dignified. Comedy can be a useful form of entertainment. The Bible characters and writers, including Jesus, had a well-developed sense of humor. But humor can very easily cross a line and begin to tear down rather than build up.
Right. Think about things that are righteous in God's eyes, that reflect right conduct by God's standards. Consider those things that express a right judgment. Exalting a life and a pattern of behavior that demonstrates the self-focused perspective of "the flesh" may be lawful, but it is not helpful, and will eventually affect the way we think and act.
Pure. Think about things that are modest or chaste. Consider things that are sacred and blameless. Believe it or not, there are these kinds of ideas and themes to consider. While it may take some searching, if we can find something that is "pure" and focus our minds on it, it will contribute to our personal growth and our relationship with a holy God.
Lovely. Think about ideas that are pleasing and agreeable. Find things that are acceptable reflect a certain positive friendliness. It's possible to be attracted to and fascinated by controversy and conflict. Some feel more powerful when angry. However, a focus on disagreeable, divisive ideas tears down rather than building up.
Admirable. Think about good reports given in a good way. Focus on ideas that are fair and well-spoken. It seems popular these days to be rude and to be attracted to rude, disrespectful ways of communicating ideas. This form of communication tends to encourage self-righteous, self-centered thinking and responding and injures relationships while tearing down the dignity and worth of others.
Excellent. Think about ideas that are virtuous, that are eminent and renown in reputation. Focus your mind on things that have a reputation for moral goodness and that make an excellent contribution to life. It's so easy to find it entertaining when someone is drug through the dirt and to conclude the very worst about them. Finding virtuous ideas and role models will tend to draw attention to and build up all the potential positive outcomes in life.
Praiseworthy. Think about things that are commendable, that most right-thinking people would agree are worthy of approbation, to be lifted up as a positive model. So much of our entertainment focuses on the worst examples in our society, on the extent to which human beings can degenerate. Instead, our minds need to be filled with examples of the potential goodness in human beings, and especially in those who are walking in personal relationship with their Creator and Savior.
So, it's not only garbage in garbage out, it's also virtue in virtue out, excellence in excellence out, true in true out. As much as it depends on us, our desire to be wise stewards of our lives will lead us to an understanding and a practice of thinking that will transform our lives and prove to be a positive, redemptive influence on the lives of those God brings across our paths. Surely a process well worth our intentional, purposeful thinking.
