“Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.”
Philippians 4:8 ERV
Our class is studying a series of lessons on building our core...physical core, emotional core, mental core and spiritual core.
Last Sunday, we studied how to build our mental core. I found that to be the hardest thing of all four things to strengthen. We can work on our spiritual core by reading our Bible and praying to God with regularity. We can strengthen our physical core by lifting weights, doing aerobic exercises and work on our flexibility. We can “grit our teeth” and be mindful of our emotions...sadness, anger, fear, and happiness.
But somehow to make progress in the area of the mind takes an enormous discipline. Everything goes into our mind!
“So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.”
Hebrews 2:1 NLT
I was noticing this week that all of us struggle with what is truth. For example, our jealously sometimes towards others are based on a lack of knowledge. Have you ever look at someone’s life and think that they have a “perfect life?” But later on you find out that this person has some problems that you would not want to trade with. A good rule of thumb is to not be jealous of someone’s life. No point in this, whatsoever.
Another example of not knowing truth is not realizing the unbelievable poverty that some are facing in most of the world. We have pity parties about finances when there is something we desire and can’t buy it right now. But the item is not even on the mind of most of the world. If the truth smacked you in the face, you would give more of your time or money or prayer to the more than 10% of the world that is living on less than $2 a day. That is more like closing our eyes to the truth.
Not knowing truth means that most Christians do not understand what it means to follow Jesus. Stop and think. Do we often get mad at God because we are suffering? We are bitter because we have problems. We want life to be about us.
“Jesus continued to say to all of them, “Any of you who want to be my follower must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you every day for following me.”
Luke 9:23 ERV
This week, I have been intentional about what truth/lies enter in my mind. It’s hard work! So I have asked the Lord to reveal what is a lie that I am believing about my life. Oh my goodness! It’s shocking, the bald-faced lies that I allow to sit around in my mind. These lies need to be cleaned out and replaced with truth.
“So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist.”
Ephesians 6:14a ERV
To build a strong core of truth in our mind will impact the core of everything else.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’”
Mark 12:30 ERV
Check your belt tied around your waist. Is it truth or a bunch of lies that you are wearing around?
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