Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6
What we set our minds on is our responsibility. Sometimes we blame the flesh, the world or the devil because we believe we can’t stop the thoughts that come unwelcome into our minds. Yet as someone once said, “You may not be able to stop trouble coming but you do not have to give it a chair to sit on.” Likewise, we may not be able to stop wrong thoughts dropping into our minds but we don’t have to dwell on them. What we think about is a choice we make.
Sometimes we excuse our tendency to worry, and other forms of wrong thinking, by rationalising that we need to dwell on situations that require us to make decisions. While this may be true, there are times to take a break. One of the ways God allows us to have a rest from our pressing concerns is by giving us a Sabbath. A day where we can turn off from our daily concerns and focus on the abundant blessings we have received from God and will receive in his coming kingdom. By making a weekly habit of taking time out to set our minds on what is true, noble and right (Philippians 4:8), our minds are renewed.
With our minds rested, we are better equipped to set our minds on what the Spirit desires, which is life and peace.
