Understanding The Demands Of Matthew 22:36-40 (Part 3)—The Mind

Wikipedia defines the mind “as the set of faculties responsible for all mental phenomena…These faculties include:

thought,
imagination,
memory,
will, and
sensation.

They are responsible for various mental phenomena, like perception, pain experience, belief, desire, intention, and emotion.”

The mind is the most easily accessed part of man and is the battleground for the possession of the whole man! The eye, ear, nose, mouth, and touch are the five gateways to the mind. If these are not actively and intentionally guarded, we become prey for all the forces of darkness operating and channeling over the air in media, music and movies. Paul the apostle warned believers severally:

2 Corinthians 4:3,4—But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6—For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. This is the reason we must renew our minds,
Romans. 12:2—And be not conformed to this world (do not subject yourself, neither surrender your minds to the world’s point of view): 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.
It is in your submitting your mind to and listening to God that you can receive the mind of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 (TPT)—This is why the Scriptures say: Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine—these are the many things God has in store for all his lovers. But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit. Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things. After all, who can really see into a person’s heart and know his hidden impulses except for that person’s spirit? So, it is with God. His thoughts and secrets are only fully understood by his Spirit, the Spirit of God. For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us. And we articulate these realities with the words imparted to us by the Spirit and not with the words taught by human wisdom. We join together Spirit-revealed truths with Spirit-revealed words. Someone living on an entirely human level rejects the revelations of God’s Spirit, for they make no sense to him. He can’t understand the revelations of the Spirit because they are only discovered by the illumination of the Spirit. Those who live in the Spirit are able to carefully evaluate all things, and they are subject to the scrutiny of no one but God. For Who has ever intimately known the mind of the Lord Yahweh well enough to become his counselor? Christ has, and we possess Christ’s perceptions.

Does your mind fit the bill as laid out here?

Without your heart, soul and mind being redeemed and yielded to God you cannot love God; talk less of your neighbour. That’s what’s implied in Peter’s summary in 1 Peter 1:22-23 (TPT)—Now, because of your obedience to the truth, you have purified your very souls, and this empowers you to be full of love for your fellow believers. So, express this sincere love toward one another passionately and with a pure heart. For through the eternal and living Word of God you have been born again. And this “seed” that he planted within you can never be destroyed but will live and grow inside of you forever.

Now therefore examine yourself and actively take the steps needed that you may fulfill by God’s absolute power the command to love Him as is required of you and me. Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele