The Mind
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26.3
I remember hearing a commercial on TV as a youngster about the mind. It said that the mind is a terrible thing to waste. Not only is that true concerning education, but it is also inescapably true concerning spiritual things. While some think education is not important, please consider the background of the two most prolific writers of the New Testament – Luke (a medical doctor) and Paul (a formally educated student of the Old Testament). Many of the other writers, such as John, were educated in practical, experiential knowledge through apprenticeships – hands-on experience.
Believing that every word within the Bible is given by God and profitable for our spiritual growth (II Timothy 3.16), I began researching the meaning and background of the word “mind.” After all, it is found in the Great Commandment offered to us by our Lord.
In the New Testament there are at least six Greek nouns that translate “mind” – five Greek verbs – and, one adjective. All of that indicates how intricately detailed is God’s Word when describing our thought life. Here, I want to consider just two of these words and how they should affect who we are in Christ.
The “mind” as mentioned by Jesus in the Great Commandment translates the Greek word “diánoia” and denotes critical thinking. This was an expression requiring that the one who loves God must be someone who can think through spiritual issues and come to a conclusion putting God first. Critical thinking does not indicate that someone has a critical attitude; however, it does indicate that someone can sift through facts and make an educated conclusion. That is what the writer of Ecclesiastes concludes when he has done all of his research in worldly things. He says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12.13) After searching through every avenue he could possibly explore, Solomon came to the conclusion that a logical approach to faith would always point to God. Only those who do not research carefully will come away not having faith in God. (Psalm 14.1; 53.1)
Paul, in Romans 12.2 exhorts his readers to renew (anakaínōsis – “completely change for the better, a transformation from what was in the past”) their minds (nous – “the organ that thinks”). The mind is the organ of mental perception and apprehension, of conscious life, of the consciousness preceding actions or recognizing and judging them, intelligent understanding. (Zodiates) In other words, the mind is that part of us that perceives and distinguishes between right and wrong. In order to make good decisions – to think and reason properly – one must have his mind exercised with the right information and the awareness of God as the ultimate Authority.
That was the mind (phronéō – “mindset, to set one’s mind upon”) of which Paul spoke in Philippians 2.5. So, what was Jesus’ mindset? How did He think? How keen was His perception? Jesus’ mind was always putting the Father’s will above His own and every thought He had was filtered through His awareness of who He was, what He was, and what His mission was. As He nestled Himself firmly and completely within the Father’s care, He had perfect confidence as He proceeded toward the Cross and the redemption of His people.
It should not matter how difficult our path or how painful may be our lot in life. As we set our minds upon God, our understanding, perception and desires will change to be conformed to His will. And, as a bonus, we will have the peace of God that passes all understanding because our minds are staid on Him.
By the way, the word “mind” in Isaiah 26.3 translates the Hebrew word, “yêtser,” which means: “purpose or intellectual framework.” Our thinking process will be based upon what is true rather than upon human supposition.
Believing that every word within the Bible is given by God and profitable for our spiritual growth (II Timothy 3.16), I began researching the meaning and background of the word “mind.” After all, it is found in the Great Commandment offered to us by our Lord.
In the New Testament there are at least six Greek nouns that translate “mind” – five Greek verbs – and, one adjective. All of that indicates how intricately detailed is God’s Word when describing our thought life. Here, I want to consider just two of these words and how they should affect who we are in Christ.
The “mind” as mentioned by Jesus in the Great Commandment translates the Greek word “diánoia” and denotes critical thinking. This was an expression requiring that the one who loves God must be someone who can think through spiritual issues and come to a conclusion putting God first. Critical thinking does not indicate that someone has a critical attitude; however, it does indicate that someone can sift through facts and make an educated conclusion. That is what the writer of Ecclesiastes concludes when he has done all of his research in worldly things. He says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12.13) After searching through every avenue he could possibly explore, Solomon came to the conclusion that a logical approach to faith would always point to God. Only those who do not research carefully will come away not having faith in God. (Psalm 14.1; 53.1)
Paul, in Romans 12.2 exhorts his readers to renew (anakaínōsis – “completely change for the better, a transformation from what was in the past”) their minds (nous – “the organ that thinks”). The mind is the organ of mental perception and apprehension, of conscious life, of the consciousness preceding actions or recognizing and judging them, intelligent understanding. (Zodiates) In other words, the mind is that part of us that perceives and distinguishes between right and wrong. In order to make good decisions – to think and reason properly – one must have his mind exercised with the right information and the awareness of God as the ultimate Authority.
That was the mind (phronéō – “mindset, to set one’s mind upon”) of which Paul spoke in Philippians 2.5. So, what was Jesus’ mindset? How did He think? How keen was His perception? Jesus’ mind was always putting the Father’s will above His own and every thought He had was filtered through His awareness of who He was, what He was, and what His mission was. As He nestled Himself firmly and completely within the Father’s care, He had perfect confidence as He proceeded toward the Cross and the redemption of His people.
It should not matter how difficult our path or how painful may be our lot in life. As we set our minds upon God, our understanding, perception and desires will change to be conformed to His will. And, as a bonus, we will have the peace of God that passes all understanding because our minds are staid on Him.
By the way, the word “mind” in Isaiah 26.3 translates the Hebrew word, “yêtser,” which means: “purpose or intellectual framework.” Our thinking process will be based upon what is true rather than upon human supposition.
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