2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV -“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Most Christians memorize the above verse, and some people make daily declarations that they have a ‘sound mind.’ But, if we are honest with ourselves, could we truthfully say we are living out what we are declaring?
“I have a sound mind. I think the right thoughts, I say the right words, and I make the right decisions in every situation I face.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Paraphrase by Steve Backlund
Are we making wise decisions? Are we turning off our cell phones when driving? Are we choosing healthy snacks and keeping them in easy reach at home to help resist the junk food munchies? Are we getting enough sleep? Are we turning off news commentaries on the radio and unsubscribing from websites whose only purpose is to stir up controversy? Are we carefully researching and budgeting for major and minor purchases?
When offended, do we respond from a heart that seeks reconciliation and resolution or do we fire back with both guns blazing?
Do we allow an atmosphere of suspicion, fear, and intimidation to dictate what we will believe on any given day? Or do we live our lives using the word of God as our foundation?
Most decisions we make on any given day are offshoots of decisions we made long before. Decision builds upon decision. If we base our decisions on what worked or didn’t work yesterday, our lives are off-kilter. We are in great danger if we do not have God’s truth as our divine plumb line.
Plumb Line: A cord weighted with lead, used in building to check that vertical structures are true.
If our interior plumb line is ‘self-interest above all costs’ for example, then we will make decisions based on that line. Cutting off someone in traffic, cheating on our taxes, manipulating others, all actions bearing evidence to a foundational belief that our immediate needs must be met above all others.
Develop a sound mind, one that can not be toppled over!
Christ-followers use the word of God as our plumb line. We stack our beliefs and daily decisions against His word. If something is out of line, and not standing true, we make the necessary adjustments. It soon becomes a habit, the more we build, the sturdier the structure we create with His help. Honesty, integrity, thinking of others before ourselves, and decisions made through intentional thought stack up tall and true! We develop a sound mind, one that can not be toppled over!
At first, the need to seek an eternal perspective on mundane everyday decisions might appear cumbersome and unnecessary. However, just like any new habit, if you stay consistent in lining up those daily choices with God’s heart and intentions, you will fall into a regular rhythm. You will find you are making right decisions automatically! You’ll find you’ve entered into a sound mind lifestyle!
For further study: Bible verses referring to plumb lines
All Bible verses, unless otherwise attributed, are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
Until Next Week
©2016 Katherine Walden
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