Mind Trips!

Some people take “armchair” excursions from the comfort and safety of their own home. They tour the world by watching travel videos or by reading books and magazines about other places. It is an inexpensive way to see this world’s sights. However, there is a journey of the mind that can be quite costly if the wrong excursions are being made.

What’s on our mind? When our mind goes someplace, what is that place? Some people spend much time with their mind focused on the past while others keep the mind focused on the future and still others maintain a focus on the present with little thought for things to come. There are also those who spend a lot of time with their mind in the clouds, dreaming of things they may never put forth the effort toward. Then there are people whose mind seems to remain in the gutter. It has also been noted how some are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good, meaning they are so absorbed with thinking of the eternal home they have lost sight of what is to be accomplished while living in the earthly realm. Yes, many a varied journey can be taken in the mind and that is just where the journey of the life begins to take shape.

Paul exhorted those at Colossae to…
“SET YOUR MINDS ON THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS THAT ARE ON EARTH.” ( Colossians 3:2 ESV)

The contrast here is between an earthly (worldly) mind and a heavenly (godly or spiritual) mind. What are the thoughts that are powering and setting the course of our life? Paul went on to mention several things he referred to as “earthly” that needed to be “put to death” ( Colossians 3:5) or -- as the Greek implies -- destroy the strength of or deprive of their power. The journey through those things leads to meeting the wrath of God ( Colossians 3:6); a very costly trip! Where the mind wanders impacts the wandering of the life. Where the mind journeys begins to set the course of our life walk. If the trip of the mind takes us in the wrong direction the life itself will be tripped up. We must therefore be continually mindful of WHERE WE CHOOSE TO TAKE OUR MIND.

Categorically speaking, here is what should characterize our thoughts!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, 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.” ( Philippians 4:8 ESV)

If our thoughts don’t fall under one of those headings then our focus has been set too low. The things of God, Heaven, and Christian living fall into those categories. Let us lift our minds heavenward enough to serve the purposes of God presently while trusting His promises for the glorious eternity that awaits us. Minding the paths of the mind will enhance the joy of life’s journey.

Have a great day TAKING THE MIND TO GODLY PLACES!
Carl

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