THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Genesis 6:1-14
Mark 7:21-22

"…out of the heart of men,
proceed evil thoughts,
adulteries, fornications, murders."

A SANCTIFIED MIND (2)

A Sinful and Proud Mind: The holy God had to destroy all living things on earth, besides Noah and his family. Why? Because of their wickedness and evil mind. "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen 6:5). The Lord Jesus Christ had to expose the sinful heart and mind of the Jews who tried to keep themselves clean outwardly but inwardly were full of evil thoughts, sexual lusts, pride and wickedness. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness" (Mark 7:21-22). Knowing this truth, we are not surprised by the wickedness of the people in this world as out of their evil heart and mind come evil words, deeds and crimes.

A Rebellious Mind: God’s Word exposes the rebellious human mind. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom 8:7). "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled" (Col 1:21). Knowing this truth, we are not surprised when we are rejected, opposed or persecuted upon sharing God’s Word and the Gospel with others. 

A Selfish and Worldly Mind: People in this world are usually concerned about themselves and the things of the world. They do not care about God and His Word or about the people around them. "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh" (Rom 8:5), and "they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (Phil 3:18- 19). Knowing this truth, we must not be discouraged when our unsaved loved ones and friends are not interested in God’s Truth and spiritual values, and may even regard our sharing of God’s Word as impractical and unwise.

THOUGHT: The human mind is sinful, proud, rebellious and worldly!
PRAYER: Lord, please keep my mind humble, holy and submissive.