August 31st

AUGUST 31st 

Another verse that mentions our mind…

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Sound mind. Interestingly this phrase “sound mind” in the original Greek is much deeper than we might think in English.

σωφρονισμοῦ (sōphronismou) means sound mind, wise discretion, discipline, self-control, moderation, disciplined thinking, properly, flowing with sensible behavior, sound reasoning, Scripture based reasoning rather than impulse or intimidation.

Wow! That colors it in a little more, doesn’t it!

We can glean a lot from looking at Strong’s Concordance in this matter. Some excellent points made include:

Disciplined thought fuels effective communion with God.

The Spirit nurtures a disciplined mind.

In spiritual warfare language (Ephesians 6:10-18), the believer’s “helmet of salvation” protects the mind; Strong’s describes the functional outworking of that protection—steadfast mental composure when fiery darts fly.

A sound mind bring about measured speech, orderly priorities, emotional stability that rests on God’s sovereignty, and moral consistency when no human eye observes.

Measured speech: James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

Orderly priorities: Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Emotional stability that rests on God’s sovereignty: Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Moral consistency when no human eye observes: Psalm 139:1–3 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

The life of a Christ follower consists of “a Spirit-wrought equilibrium that liberates believers from fear, empowers loving action, and sustains persevering witness. As the church embraces this gift, it reflects the disciplined, fearless mind of Christ amid an unsettled world.” (Strong’s Concordance)

Important takeaway: In order to have a sound mind, we must believe that it is possible for us to have a sound mind.

Jesus, thank you for making it possible for me to have a sound mind. Help me to give up my old way of thinking in exchange for the sound mind that you promised in Your Word. Holy Spirit, when the fiery darts are flying, help me to remember that I have a sound mind. Help me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind so that I can walk in it.