In the Mind

"...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:5

It starts in the mind - thoughts. We can choose to dispel them, or cultivate them. Whatever we dwell on in our mind is like giving water to a tree that grows. Our thoughts mature, and like the tree that produces fruit, our thoughts display themselves in our words and actions. We are warned in scripture to "no longer walk as the gentiles do, in the futility of their minds." Ephesians 4:7. The verse doesn't mention bad words or evil actions, rather the warning is pointing towards a recognized process that begins in the mind. If we are to be set-apart as followers of Christ, walking in the newness of life that we've been given, the process of change and renewal needs to be first governed in the very personal thoughts of our mind. People have said, that a true test of character comes when one is alone. In our minds, we feel entirely alone and that is where a difficult test begins. Will we surrender our own thoughts to God, weighing them in His balances, or will we cultivate them and allow this to be a place of weakness, producing equally bland fruits in our life. Remember that true transformation in Christ happens by the "renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2