Basic HTML Version
Preoccupying the Mind, April 15
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that
which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart
bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart
his mouth speaketh.
Luke 6:45
.
The mind is so constituted that it must be occupied with either good
or evil. If it takes a low level, it is generally because it is left to deal with
commonplace subjects.... Man has the power to regulate and control the
workings of the mind, and give direction to the current of his thoughts.
But this requires greater effort than we can make in our own strength. We
must stay our minds on God, if we would have right thoughts, and proper
subjects for meditation.
Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over their thoughts and
imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon
profitable subjects. But if the thoughts are not properly employed, religion
cannot flourish in the soul. The mind must be preoccupied with sacred
and eternal things, or it will cherish trifling and superficial thoughts. Both
the intellectual and the moral powers must be disciplined, and they will
strengthen and improve by exercise.
To understand this matter aright, we must remember that our hearts
are naturally depraved, and we are unable, of ourselves, to pursue a right
course. It is only by the grace of God, combined with the most earnest
efforts on our part, that we can gain the victory.
There are, in the Christian faith, subjects upon which every one should
accustom his mind to dwell. The love of Jesus, which passeth knowledge,
His sufferings for the fallen race, His work of mediation in our behalf, and
His exalted glory—these are the mysteries into which angels desired to
look. Heavenly beings find in these themes enough to attract and engage
their deepest thoughts; and shall we, who are so intimately concerned,
manifest less interest than the angels, in the wonders of redeeming love?
The intellect, as well as the heart, must be consecrated to the service
of God. He has claims upon all there is of us.
[112]
114