On my recent trip to Florida with my family, my brothers became pretty good at fishing in a kayak. They learned the pattern of the tides, the current of the water, and how far out into the bay they could go.
On
these fishing excursions, each of them caught quite a few fish. Most were too
small to keep, but they were content with spending the day slowly drifting on the
water.
The
problem they encountered was that when they found fish, there was no way to anchor
the kayak to that spot. Before they could get their line reset, they were
beyond the location and would once again need to drift until more fish were
found.
My
brother Michael came up with a solution. There were small buoy’s, almost like
large fishing bobbers, out in the bay. Michael grabbed one of them and tucked
it into the kayak to keep him in that location.
It
wasn’t long before he realized that he was not staying in one location and in
fact was drifting. Not only was he drifting, but the buoy was as well.
I believe
we can get in that same mess with our spiritual lives. If we are not careful, our
minds will pull us in a direction that might not be the correct route. Here are
a few verses that will help us with keeping our minds from drifting.
Hebrews
2:1 gives us a good piece of advice. “We
must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we
do not drift away.” Paying attention will allow us to stay on the correct
path that God has set for us to follow.
“You will keep in perfect peace him
whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Keeping our minds
steadfast brings peace because of the trust we’ve placed in God.
And
how are we to do this? Romans 12:2 gives us a guide. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Renewing
our minds will lead to transformation.
And
Ephesians 4:22-24 gives a little more insight. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off
your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made
new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be
like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Putting off the old self and
putting on the new self is possible through the attitude of our minds. God’s
righteousness and holiness will be evident through this process.
“The end of all things is near. Therefore,
be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) In this verse we see
that being clear minded and having self control go hand in hand. By keeping
these two elements in line, prayer will be the outcome.
And
finally, for what purpose are we to prepare our minds? For action! “Therefore, prepare your minds for action;
be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus
Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13) After we’ve set our minds right, we
must get our minds ready for action. For whatever Satan might throw our way. We
must be ready.
Perhaps
you remember the old television advertisement for the UNCF, “A mind is a
terrible thing to waste.” Especially when it involves your spiritual life. Use
your mind. Develop your mind. Keep focused on what really matters. “Set your mind on things above, not on
earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Quit drifting!
My
brothers learned the fine art of fishing and kayaking in a few short days. Apparently,
there is nothing that a little fishing won’t cure.
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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