Colossians 3:1-2

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things which are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth…

It’s really quite amazing how much power is at our fingertips, granted to us by YHWH, when you think about it.

He has given us our mind, with has at least a modicum (or much more) of free will, and He has given us Jesus Christ, whom He hs given all authority in heaven and on earth.

For the most part, we can choose what we think about and, therefore, program our minds however we would like. (I say “for the most part” since I don’t understand the details of brain damage as well as those who have given up their free will to habits and allowed auto-pilot to take over–see Romans 1:24ff)

Unless we acquiesce to habit and auto-pilot takeover, we can fill our very powerful minds with that which omnipotently gives peace–Jesus Christ. I think we are all seeking inner peace, and I believe it truly, and ultimately comes only through Jesus Christ–the very real, the very alive, Son of God.

Our quintessential existence is to be one with God, just as Jesus was. “I and the Father are one” (Jn.10:30). Jesus was our prototype, not our wishful thinking. “Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (Jn.14:12). To be one, you are to be in constant communication and communion. To the point that our desires become exactly the same. Our ways of seeing start to close together. So then, whatever we ask for, we receive, because we are asking for exactly what YHWH desires already and wants to bring to fruition through you.

I’ve always believed that the mind is the best weapon. -John Rambo

Free will can be our most glorious gift used for blessing, or else the most heinous of curses. It all depends on how we use it. What we choose to focus upon. We have seen, in an empirically verifiable manner, the plasticity of the human brain. That it operates like our muscles, lungs, and heart, in that, whatever we put it through over and over becomes easier and easier. You go to the gym to do weight training and/or cardio. The second time you go to do that exact same routine, it is easier. Same with the brain, except we normally do not think of training the brain at the neuro fitness center. Yet that is exactly what is asked of us by Jesus and throughout Scripture–see John 15. It is clear we are to fix our minds on Jesus (Heb.12:2). This is done through prayer, meditation, Scripture memorization, imagination, music–all with the telos of fixing the mind on God and training it to stay there at all times, not wandering off. The more you train, the easier it becomes.

Anyone can do this.

Doesn’t mean it isn’t challenging or will not be met with considerable resistance.

But we do that which is most important to us.

It is difficult to describe the peace and joy this gives, to remain in constant contact with Christ, looking to Him for every answer and for every comfort in every situation. To defer to Him in every circumstance. No, I’m not perfect at it, but I’m light years ahead of where I was five years ago. Due to intentional training to stay connected, open, and available to the Holy Spirit.

Anyone can do this.

Many Christians are what some describe as “saved but not free.” This is because, though they believe, they have not undergone the training necessary for the renewing of their mind (Rom.12:2). Hence, many settle for the default crappy auto-pilot setting which is the path of least resistance.

There is no greater thing our mind can behold than God, His beauty, and His love. Anything else falls  pitifully short of that. Dwelling on the pinnacle brings you into it. Whatever you focus on most and treasure above all else is where your heart will be.

Your beauty beheld, Oh Lord, cancels out all in my mind that is harmful and unneeded.