According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the term “mind” is defined as “the human consciousness that originates in the brain and is manifested especially in thought, perception, emotion, will, memory, and imagination; the faculty of thinking, reasoning, and applying knowledge.”
The human mind is regarded as the core of all opinion or sentiment, desire or inclination, focus of thought, and attention. In the Bible the mind is often alluded to with such terms as “conscience” or “heart.” Everything we do is dictated by the mind: whether conscious (as in a premeditated action), or subconscious (such as scratching a mosquito bite in your sleep). The human brain, designed by God our creator, is so proficient that it records all the senses of the body: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling (i.e., touch). Recognizing these factors, it behooves us to carefully consider what we subject our minds/hearts to.
It is often said that one is the product of their environment; and a tremendous factor in the corruption of a person’s mind is exposure to an evil environment or influence (1 Cor. 15:33). Such influence can lead to unholy desire (providing temptation). Giving in to temptation is sin – and sin “brings forth death” (Jas. 1:13-15). Man has the ability to freely choose to do good or to do evil (cf. Gen. 4:7), and both are done from the heart (Rom. 6:17; Matt. 15:19). David understood this when he said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).
Therefore, friends, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). If not, what are you thinking?
Aaron Veyon
