The Bible tells us how it is possible to have the mind of Christ in spite of our life history. We are to “be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s]” (Rom. 12:2).
One method we can use to renew our minds is to meditate on God’s Word. The psalmist says: “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (Ps. 119:20,24, NIV). Like the psalmist, we can find joy and knowledge in the Word when we choose to dwell on it.
One of the most important ways we can renew our minds is to think on the things that are listed in Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Included in the list are things that are “true.” Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary explains that we are to “make those (true) things the subjects of our thoughtful consideration” or “carefully reflect on them.”
God is a God of truth. In fact, the Bible says it is impossible for Him to lie (see Heb. 6:18). He gives us His truth in every situation to apply to our thoughts. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32, NKJV). If you’re not free, which lie of the devil are you believing as truth in your life?
As stated earlier, we live our lives according to our perception of what is true—according to what we perceive is real. But if our perceptions are false, if we do not think on the truths of God, we will easily be led astray by Satan’s deceptions and counterfeits.
Philippians 4:7 says that the peace of God guards our minds. I believe one reason God protects us in this way is that wrong thoughts are a breeding ground for Satan’s lies. Another name for Satan is deceiver: He can mimic truth, but “there is no truth in him” (John 8:44).
We are not immune to “the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11, NIV). In fact, we must constantly be on guard lest, “just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, [our] minds may somehow be led astray” (2 Cor. 11:3).
As a counselor, I listen to clients share the hurts and struggles that develop within them on their life journeys. The Holy Spirit reveals the lies of the enemy that they hear and receive as truth. My goal is to help them uncover the lies so that they can live in the freedom of God’s truths.
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