Reprogramming the Mind
August 11, 2009
by Neil Anderson
1 Peter 1:13
Gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
Since we came into this world physically alive but spiritually dead, we had neither the presence of God in our lives nor the knowledge of His will. Our minds were programmed to live independently of Him. We were mentally conformed to this world.
When we became Christians, nobody pushed the CLEAR button in our preprogrammed minds. Even as Christians we can still allow our minds to be programmed by the world. So what must we do?
First, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1). How do you renew your mind? By filling it with God’s Word.
Second, Peter directs us to prepare our minds for action (1 Peter 1:13). Do away with fruitless fantasy. To imagine yourself doing things without ever doing anything is dangerous. But if you can mentally prepare yourself in advance to obey the truth, you can motivate yourself toward productive living–as long as you follow through by doing what you imagine.
Third, take every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Practice threshold thinking. Evaluate every thought by the truth, and don’t let your mind entertain thoughts contrary to the will of God.
Fourth, turn to God. When your commitment to do the will of God is being challenged by thoughts from the world, the flesh, or the devil, bring it to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6). By doing so you are acknowledging God and exposing your thoughts to His truth. Your double-mindedness will dissolve “and the peace of God . . . shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Fifth, assume your responsibility to think. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
Prayer:
Lord, I commit myself to practice these steps daily in order to bring my mind under Your control.
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Sometimes a rehab center is also necessary. My mother for many years struggled with alcoholism and her story of success included many failed attempts. The only thing that finally got her attention was almost losing her life in an alcohol infused mishap. She was able to find her way with the support of our family and the help of the staff at our local rehab center Ambrosia Treatment Center here in Port St. Lucie Fl. They were of immeasurable help to my family in addition to faith. Keep up the great work of educating people on the benefits of abandoning addiction.