“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
As we said yesterday, God designed your mind with breathtaking complexity. Every thought you think, every memory you hold, and every decision you make flows through this divine gift. But sin has corrupted the human mind. Left unguarded, it can be blinded, unstable, or deceived. We must learn how to control our mind.
Being born again alters our spiritual nature and gives us the ability to CHOOSE how we think.
Thus, taking control of our minds—as prescribed by Scripture—can only be done by born again believers who have received the mind of Christ. As discussed in yesterday’s devotional—without His mind, His Word and His ways are simply nonsense.
As Christians, we know that our enemies are constantly waging warfare on the precious territory of our mind.
Paul warned the church at Corinth:
“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3
The mind is the frontline of spiritual warfare. Satan infiltrates it with lies, distractions, and distortions. Hours of scrolling through newsfeeds, binge-watching shows filled with immorality, or endlessly consuming social media drama leave us anxious, restless, and spiritually depleted.
The mind was never meant to be a trash bin for the world’s noisy, disruptive thoughts.
Paul warned the Ephesians, saying, “that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind.” (Ephesians 4:17) When we constantly fill our thoughts with empty distractions, we experience the futility Paul described, which manifests itself as worry, fear, and dissatisfaction.
But when we intentionally turn from that noise and meditate on God’s Word, our minds are renewed, strengthened, and filled with life-giving peace. Paul exhorted, saying, “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
This truth should pivot us—that is, recognizing that God’s mind is truly good, as described in the last verses of Romans Chapter 11:
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36
This passage gives us perspective about God’s mind and so, it makes sense why Paul begs the Romans in the beginning of Chapter 12, saying,
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
Whatever controls the mind shapes EVERYTHING about our lives.
So, transforming our mind is an active process, which involves presenting our body as a living sacrifice—holy and acceptable to God.
How does God instruct us to transform our mind?
Scripture outlines how to exercise our Spirit-given ability to take control of the mind. A transformed mind is demonstrated by active, visible surrender. Some examples of God’s instructions, how we undermine them, and how to practically correct them are as follows:
1. Love God with ALL our mind.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
How we undermine it: We wake up and instantly grab our phones, giving our first thoughts to news, emails, or social media instead of to God.
Practical correction:
- Show love for God: Begin the day with prayer and Scripture before touching your phone. Dedicate intentional thought-time to God by memorizing one verse and meditating on it throughout the day. Begin the day by thanking Him in prayer, singing worship, or journaling gratitude.
- Show love for others: Send a short text of encouragement, pray over a friend’s need, or write a note to someone who is struggling. Choosing to intentionally speak life reflects that your mind is set on God.
2. Take every thought captive.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
How we undermine it: We let bitterness, lust, anger, despair, or envy sit in our minds unchecked—replaying wrongs, comparing ourselves, or planning how to retaliate.
Practical correction:
- Show love for God: The moment a sinful or anxious thought arises, stop and surrender it to Christ. Choose forgiveness instead of replaying offense. Whisper a prayer instead of feeding a fantasy.
- Show love for others: Instead of gossiping, choose to bless the one who wronged you; instead of jealousy, celebrate a friend’s success. Offer help to someone you might normally envy—demonstrating Christ’s transforming love.
3. Renew our mind daily
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
How we undermine it: We binge on hours of TV, entertainment, or social feeds while starving our minds of Scripture.
Practical correction:
- Show love for God: Trade one hour of media for time in God’s Word, journaling, or worship. Do it first thing in the morning. Do more of it while you drive or walk—you will be amazed at how much it makes a difference in every area of your life. Change your behavior to conform to God’s Word—one issue at a time.
- Show love for others: Let the renewal of your mind overflow into your actions: Practice patience in traffic, listen carefully instead of interrupting, serve your spouse, your neighbor, or children joyfully, or volunteer an hour at church or in your community. Renewed minds show up in renewed relationships and selfless actions.
4. Set the mind on the things of God.
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5
How we undermine it: We obsess over money, looks, or success, and allow temporary goals to consume us.
Practical correction:
- Show love for God: Reframe work, home, and every routine as an opportunity to carry forth our divine purpose to glorify God. Everything we do, should be with the mindset, “Lord, I do this for You.” Dedicate all skills, talents, time, and possessions to His purposes.
- Show love for others: Give generously without expecting a return, mentor a younger believer, volunteer expertise to help someone in need, or cook a meal for a family under stress. A mind fixed on the Spirit sees opportunities to serve in everyday life.
5. Guard the mind with Salvation.
“Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17
How we undermine it: We allow Satan’s accusations to dominate—believing lies like “I’ll never change,” or “God can’t forgive me.”
Practical correction:
- Show love for God: Remind yourself of Who God is and who you are in Him—you are forgiven, loved, and secure in Christ. Instead of doubting His promises, thank Him daily for salvation and all the good gifts of life. Refuse to live under the condemnation of the enemy.
- Show love for others: Extend forgiveness freely, speak words of encouragement instead of criticism, and remind someone else of their worth in Christ. Just as salvation guards your mind, your testimony of grace can remind them how to guard theirs.
Now that we know the “how”, we need to consider the tools God gives us to renew our mind!
We must use the tools God has given us. In Nehemiah’s day, Jerusalem’s broken walls left the city vulnerable. But when the people had a mind to work, they rebuilt. (Nehemiah 6:15) The unbeliever has no tools to rebuild their walls because their soul and spirit are dead. But the believer, who is alive in Christ, has the Spirit’s power to repair the cracks in their mental walls through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and discipline. We are surrounded by a corrupt culture. Peter wrote that Lot’s righteous soul was “vexed daily” while living in corrupt Sodom. (2 Peter 2:7–8) Surrounded by wickedness, his mind grew weary. The same happens when believers live unguarded in a corrupt culture. Without constant renewal, our mind will crack under pressure.
God doesn’t leave us defenseless in the battle for our thoughts—He gives us tools to use daily.
- Scripture Meditation: Psalm 1:2 reminds us that “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Too often, we start the day by scrolling through headlines or social media, filling our minds with noise before we’ve even prayed or read God’s Word for our mind. Instead, God calls us to begin with His Word and His presence to guide our thinking and bring us to a place of peace.
- Prayer: Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When bills, work deadlines, or health fears weigh heavily, we naturally rehearse the problems over and over in our minds. But when we stop and pray—thanking God for past faithfulness and handing Him today’s burdens—He replaces anxiety with His supernatural peace.
- Fellowship and church commitment: Hebrews 10:24–25 teaches us to “consider one another… not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Isolation leaves us vulnerable to spiraling thoughts and discouragement, but surrounding ourselves with other believers draws us back to God’s presence. A simple phone call to a Christian friend, joining a Bible study, or committing ourselves to a church provides encouragement that pushes back the lies the enemy whispers when we are alone.
- Focus on God’s goodness: Philippians 4:8 directs us to fix our minds on what is “true… noble… just… pure… lovely” and to “meditate on these things.” Anxiety grows when we consume toxic news, crude entertainment, or endless comparisons on Instagram. But when we intentionally shift our focus to God’s goodness—through watching uplifting programs, listening to or singing worship music, listing what we are grateful for, and remembering answered prayers—our perspective changes, and peace begins to settle over us.
- Discipline: 1 Peter 1:13 reminds us: “Gird up the loins of your mind.” Undisciplined habits like doomscrolling late at night, snapping in anger, or numbing our stress with entertainment only weakens our minds. Instead, we learn to set boundaries: Turning off the phone, pausing before speaking, and choosing to re-program our thoughts according to God’s Word. This discipline prepares us for the enemy’s attacks.
What is the evidence you have the mind of Christ?
One word: PEACE. Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to the one whose mind is stayed on the Lord. Philippians 4:7 adds: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Challenge Questions
- Identify areas where you are still operating with your natural mind. (Key: Identify the areas in your life where you have anxiety.)
- What plan do you have to switch each area of anxiety to operate with the mind of Christ?
- Are there cracks in your mental “wall” you allow the enemy to exploit?
- Does having God’s genetics in your soul and spirit give you sufficient power to patch the cracks? If so, identify His tools you can utilize today to start repairing the walls of your mind.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making me alive in Christ. I confess that without You, my mind would remain blinded and bound to the flesh. Thank You for giving me Your Spirit, Your nature, and the ability to think like Christ. Help me to discipline my thoughts, take them captive, and fill my mind with what is pure and true. Guard me with the helmet of salvation, and let Your peace rule my heart and mind each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
