Minded Mind!

People are referred to as being "open-minded", "close-minded", and "like-minded". However, what do those expressions really convey? There may be a limitation to that with which our minds are open and therefore we may close our minds to ideologies that contradict the truth we have come to know. I love how someone expressed: "There is a difference between an open mind and a hole in the head." Then, when it comes to being "like-minded", that may only mean we have found another who agrees with us, which can happen with both being wrong.

Certainly we must remain open to the truth, closed to accepting that which is contrary to the truth, and seek to be like-minded with the Lord. The great contrast of minds we find in the Scriptures is that of the DARKENED mind and the ENLIGHTENED mind. In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus He contrasted the lives of non-believers and believers with a focus on the CHARACTER OF THE MIND. ( Ephesians 4:17-24) The MIND'S CONDITION makes a world of difference.

Paul began the contrast in writing. . .
"(17) Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the FUTILITY OF THEIR MINDS. (18) They are DARKENED IN THEIR UNDERSTANDING, alienated from the life of God because of the IGNORANCE that is in them, due to their HARDNESS OF HEART. (19) They have become CALLOUS and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity." ( Ephesians 4:17-19)

It is important to recognize the result of the mind characterized by DARKNESS. Its thinking is futile; possessing no practical or useful impact on the life especially in accordance with God's Will. It is to be left ignorant of the truths of God because the heart is too hard for the truth to penetrate. It is the life characterized as being completely UNRECEPTIVE TO GOD. It is to be just like many of the rulers with whom Jesus came face to face who were blinded regardless of the proofs presented. (i.e. John 9:39-41)

Jesus stated. . .
"(22) The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, (23) but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. IF THEN THE LIGHT IN YOU IS DARKNESS, HOW GREAT IS THE DARKNESS!" ( Matthew 6:22-23 ESV)

The mind cannot find its way when it remains in darkness. A worldly mind has difficulty seeing the things of God "because they are spiritually discerned." ( 1 Corinthians 2:14) Therefore we need to be open to the enlightenment God brings. What goes on within us is important to consider because that is what determines what is allowed in and what is kept out.

Darkness causes stumbling. Darkness keeps us from seeing what is around us and what is at a distance. Unbelievers "DARKENED in their understanding" are "alienated from the life of God"! To come into and remain in a right relationship with Him we need the enlightenment He brings. Lord willing we will consider that other side of Paul's contrast tomorrow. May we not shut the door, but rather keep the door and windows of our mind open to His Sovereign Will.

Have a great day NOT BEING LEFT IN THE DARK!
Carl

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