"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."
1 Peter 1:13
Self control has many aspects, and while this morning's post was the first, let's consider this one the actual introduction. I felt a need to be accountable this morning, and jumped right past this one and into something very real. It was necessary, but this one is, too.
Control of the mind is a difficult thing. Some people view it as almost impossible. We excuse and ignore and (yes, this one is true) accept ourselves and each other for the "random" thoughts that come into our minds. And we say things like, "I'm just built that way" to make it okay that we are not focused on what we should be... Jesus. We focus on sinful things, because they are more fun. Don't try to deny it, because every person on the planet knows it's the truth, and whether you admit it to me or not, you have to eventually admit it to yourself and then be accountable for it to God. Recognition of that truth is the first step.
Imagine if you could actively focus for just 10 minutes on what you thought about and how you thought about it. Wanna try??? I do. Take ten minutes; set a timer; find a quiet spot (if you can) and just focus on Jesus intensely. There will be moments during this time when your mind will wander. Please know that it is not your mind that wanders, but you that ALLOWS your mind to wander. YOU do that, not your brain. YOU have the option and ability to control it... but will you? Try it - it's quite the humbling experience.
And then think about how you can repeat the exercise. It is a necessary one, whether you are currently aware of it or not. Figure out how to do it at least twice a week... then build to four times... then build to every day... then extend the time. I promise, your eyes will be so well-closed that they will finally be opened, and you will honor the Lord in doing so!
God bless you all!!!
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