Do I Really Have a Sound Mind?

By Andrea Merrell

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, 

but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

If you’re anything like me, sometimes your mind seems anything BUT sound. The cares of this world press in on us, and we can find ourselves operating in confusion, frustration, and fear … without a trace of love.

According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, sound can mean anything from timber without defect or decay to a deep, undisturbed sleep. So, what does it mean to have a sound mind? Webster’s goes on to define it as healthy, solid, firm, and stable. The original Greek word indicates a mind that operates in a rational, reasonable, and logical manner. It is not controlled by outside forces—especially people, circumstances, and emotion.

In other words, a sound mind is focused, discerning, and in control. No matter how difficult things become, it enables us to make wise decisions and keep our priorities—and thinking—in order.

So, the question is: where and how to we obtain this type of mind? For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV). If, as Christians, we have the same mind as our Lord and Savior, why do we have so much trouble with our thoughts and attitudes? In Philippians 2:5 we are told: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. The NIV puts it this way: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Wow! That’s a tall order and puts the ball squarely back in our court. It’s like any other gift the Lord offers; we must believe and receive. It all begins with a choice.

If you’re struggling today to keep your thoughts in order and under control, let’s pray this prayer together:

Father, today I choose to allow the mind of Christ to be in me. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand in the same manner as my Lord. Thank you for these wonderful gifts: love, power, and a sound mind.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

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Are you allowing the mind of Christ to be in you? via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

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