In 1977, the UNCF began running their TV ads asking for donations. They ended each ad with a very powerful tag line that has stayed with me all of these years; “Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” The human mind is a marvelous thing. Our brain is not only capable of processing the information continually pouring in from all of our senses; it is able to store that information in the form of memories. We are even able to use it to grasp concepts that are beyond our physical senses or experience. We can dream dreams and see visions. To the French philosopher Descartes, it is proof of existence; “I think, therefore I am.” To medical doctors, brain activity is proof of life.
The human mind is capable of indescribable evil or the deepest love and kindness. What causes that disparity? Paul wrote, “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) When we believe in Jesus Christ and accept His gift of salvation, we are not only reborn with a new spirit, God’s Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us to teach us and comfort us. Part of that teaching process is changing or renewing our mind. “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.” (Romans 12:2) When asked what was the most important commandment, Jesus said that we must love our God with all of our heart (center of our emotions), all of our soul (our spirit) and all of our mind (center of our thoughts). (See Matthew 22:37) Once we are reborn spiritually, the Holy Spirit begins work on our emotions and our thoughts to bring them in line with our new spirit as a child of God.
The process of transforming our mind involves getting to know more and more about our Heavenly Father and His plans for us; at least as much as our finite mind can handle. As God told Isaiah, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts. My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8) How long does that process of renewing our mind take? I can only speak from my own experience. After 66 years as a Christian, I am still a work in progress. My spirit and my heart have been transformed, but my mind is still learning, with the help of His Spirit, more about God and His plans for me every day. I’m convinced the process will not be completed until I enter God’s immediate presence and greet my Savior face to face. It is then that I will know as I am known. Until then, let’s follow Paul’s admonition to the Philippian church, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8)