THE WINDOW OF THE HEART
Quote for Today
“Wimpy worldviews make wimpy Christians. And wimpy Christians won’t survive the days ahead.
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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
Hebrews 12:3
“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
REFLECTION
THE HUMAN MIND HAS THE CAPACITY TO DIRECT ITS OWN ATTENTION TO SOMETHING IT CHOOSES
“One of the most remarkable capacities of the human mind is the capacity to direct its own attention to something it chooses. We can pause and say to our minds, “Think about this, and not that.” We can focus our attention on an idea or a picture or a problem or a hope.
It is an amazing power. I doubt that animals have it. They are probably not self-reflective, but rather governed by impulse and instinct.
Have you been neglecting this great weapon in the arsenal of your war against sin? The Bible calls us again and again to use this remarkable gift. Let’s take this gift off the shelf, and dust it off, and put it to use.
For example, Paul says in Romans 8:5–6, “Those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (my translation).
This is stunning. What you set your mind on determines whether the issue is life or death.
Many of us have become far too passive in our pursuit of change and wholeness and peace. I have the feeling that in our therapeutic age we have fallen into the passive mindset of simply “talking through our problems” or “dealing with our issues” or “discovering the roots of our brokenness in our family of origin.”
But I see a much more aggressive, non-passive approach to change in the New Testament. Namely, set your mind. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).
Our emotions are governed in large measure by what we consider — what we dwell on with our minds. For example, Jesus told us to overcome the emotion of anxiety by what we consider: “Consider the ravens. . . . Consider the lilies” (Luke 12:24, 27).
The mind is the window of the heart. If we let our minds constantly dwell on the dark, the heart will feel dark. But if we open the window of our mind to the light, the heart will feel the light.
Above all, this great capacity of our minds to focus and consider is meant for considering Jesus (Hebrews 12:3). So, let’s do this: “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.””
- By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.
THE WINDOW OF THE HEART
THE HUMAN MIND HAS THE CAPACITY TO DIRECT ITS OWN ATTENTION TO SOMETHING IT CHOOSES
A follower of Jesus must examine their heart’s attitude, ensuring it is aligned with the Spirit rather than the desires of the flesh. This means surrendering to Christ daily, seeking His will above personal ambitions, and valuing eternal truths over temporary gains. It also calls for viewing life through God’s perspective—walking in faith, embracing His peace, and trusting in His plans. Lastly, it requires seeing others with love, grace, and compassion, just as Christ does, reflecting His character in all relationships.
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, surrendering my will, my desires, and my whole being to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Shape my heart to seek Your ways above my own, that I may serve You faithfully, with love, humility, and obedience. Let every act of my life bring glory to You, reflecting the light of Christ in all I do. May my service be a testimony of Your grace, and may all honour and praise be lifted to You alone, now and forever. Amen.
Neven MacEwan
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