Interesting Read
The Story is familiar. Moses sent 12 spies to investigate what needed to be done to take the Promised Land. When they returned from their trip, 10 spies spoke words of unbelief. The children of Israel listened to them more than the two men who said they were well able to take the land. The 10 spies were negative and filled with unbelief. They believe what they saw, more than what God had promised them.
In order to take the world we must cleanse our mind of negative thinking. Our attitude is crucial in conquering, The mind must be cleansed from anything that is connected to unbelief.
Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5). The mind of Christ! What we feed the mind will determine what we are. Understanding this should cause us to be extremely careful, for our mind is like a computer: what you enter into it determines its performance. Thus our meditations are critical. What the ear hears, what the eyes sees, what we read, the music that is listened to, anything that affects the mind needs to be critiqued.
“Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8). Whoever you run with will influence the way you think.
We are the product of our environment. Every one must selective of their choice of friends. Who you run with will rub off on you. Negative conversations produce negative thoughts. Paul said, “Bring every thought into captivity.”
What discussions go on between you and your friends, even preacher friends, will determine your performance. To discuss negative situations, bad things that happen to people, even people that do bad things, is not edifying. There is a time and place to deal with the failures of men, but to dwell and linger on negatives will adversely affect you. One cannot expect to have and fruitful and productive ministry dwelling in such a negative atmosphere. There is plenty of doom and gloom if one looks for it. However, it will keep the church from living in a growth mold and hinder revival! It is imperative to control our minds in order for us to go forward.
As the children of Israel listened to the wrong voices, so can we if we are not careful. If one listens to those who are anti-revivalists, those who say the church is not what it used to be, it’s going down, such notions will keep you from the Promised Land.
Kenneth F. Haney