The Importance of the Mind — Part 2

Today's Three-minute Bible Study
Print, Study and Apply

Title: The Importance of the Mind — Part 2 ------------------- Date: 5/15/2002
Keywords: "addiction" "mind"
Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation.

Passage: Romans 12:2*

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Questions

1. Do you ever kick yourself for falling for a slick advertisement? How is this behavior like conforming to the world?

 

2. Have you ever made a New Years promise you didn’t keep? If you said "no" to this question, how long have you had a problem with lying? Why do you think we fail at living up to our good intentions?

 

Practical help

This is the second in a series on thinking about our minds and addictions. This is a powerful verse and I encourage you to reflect on it often. It tells us not to give in to pornography or any other destructive habit even though worldly people want us to. Why is it in the world’s best interest for us to be hooked on porn? The answer is obvious. First, it’s a money maker. Someone will get rich on your weakness. Secondly, it justifies worldly behavior. "What’s wrong with (fill-in-the-blank), everyone else is doing it?" goes the old argument. Every adolescent in the world has used that one. It’s a stupid statement when you think about it, but it seems to make people feel better (for a while at least). Finally, the world always rejects God in the end, and getting you to conform snubs Him. Expect the world to act worldly. No surprise there.

If you want to change (be transformed), then "renew" your mind. What does this mean? It means to rethink the problem. Start back at the beginning and check you reasoning. When you do this, be sure to begin with the fact that it’s God’s universe, not yours. Even though it may cause you to alter your behavior to honor God, it is important to respond accurately to the world as it truly is. Since you were born into this world and it existed long before you came on the scene, give up the silly notion that it’s all about you. Even your porn problem has bigger ramifications than simply being a problem you happen to have.

Have you ever wondered about God’s will in your life? This verse would encourage you to think rightly and clearly, and then act on what you know. When you do this, you will discover that you are smack-dab in the middle of God’s will. Furthermore, you will prove through the changes in your own life that God’s ways are good, acceptable and perfect. Know for sure that it is not God’s will for you to view pornography because it does not reflect His perfect and holy character. Have a great day!

eXXit homepage
Index of three-minute studies
Copyright 2002 by eXXit
*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."