An Idle Mind

Romans 12:2

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

An Idle Mind

December 1st is recognized as World AIDs Day, a day of education and awareness in the ongoing fight against HIV infection and spread.  One of the scientists interviewed during the observance said that 'the virus always takes advantage of apathy'.  I found that quote so powerful because it is true on many different levels, but especially in our spiritual walk.  

There's an old adage that says 'Idle hands are the devil's playground'. The idea behind it is that keeping busy is a virtue but being idle leads to trouble.  I would counter that an idle mind is much more dangerous than idle hands since all action starts in the mind.

The Holy Spirit through Paul reminded us of the same thing in the scripture quoted above.  Renewing our mind is absolutely essential to growth in the Spirit.  When we fall into temptation or find ourselves falling away from God, we have to admit that the fall started not in our actions, but in our mind.  God gave us a free will and He has never taken it away.  Our worship or lack of it is a choice first...a choice in the mind before it becomes an action, or in action.

So, as we come into this season of celebrating the birth of the Savior, if you have received the gift of Salvation, give yourself the next gift of a full relationship with the Father.  It's one thing to have access.  It's something else entirely to enter in and take advantage of the access.  Choose to press in.

Renew the mind.  How?  This way:

Philippians 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Merry Christmas!

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.youarechosen.net) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.  

Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com.  Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.