Rule of Life | Mind
The mind is a powerful thing. What consumes your mind is often what shapes how you live. Think about what influences you consciously or subconsciously - social media, entertainment, news, the mind of Christ, the people in your life. In Romans 12:2, Paul says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Even Paul acknowledges that how people think is how people live.
• Discover: Before filling out the Mind arena, read Philippians 4:8-9. What does this stir in you? What do you fix your thoughts on? Is what you are currently putting into practice what you have learned, received, heard, and seen from God, or from other things?
• Do: What are you currently practicing to set your mind with and on God? Here is a recommendation on where to start: Commit to disengaging with your screens every evening 2 hours before you sleep and replacing 1 digital activity a week (TV show, scrolling on social media, newsfeed, app or game) with either a spiritual audiobook, teaching podcast, or Bible reading, and grow from there!
Here is a list of “Mind” Practices to explore: Read Scripture in the morning before turning on your phone, engage in intentional and curious conversation with others, take a digital Sabbath, centering prayer, etc.
• Share: As you practice, be in a rhythm of learning and debriefing with God and others about your experience using the following questions or prompts:
What is a story of encountering God from this past week’s Mind practices?
What did you notice happening in you as you cultivated an intentional thought life with God?
What was challenging, surprising, and/or life-giving?
Where did you most experience God with you?
Pro Tip: When we consistently sharpen our minds with the help of the Spirit, we are equipped to listen and discern well with the people in our lives!