Now this is not the mindfulness that sits in the lotus position while repeating a word or a sound. Neither is it just one that goes for long walks in the woods, takes a bath with rose petals and candles or chills out to whale sounds.
No, this is something much more effective than that. You see, every one of us is in a battle right now. And that battle isn't just being fought at the supermarket to maintain two metres distance from our fellow shoppers. Neither is it just being fought in our immune system. This battle is being fought in our mind.
This is a battle where meditation and long walks and hot baths cannot reach. If we are in the middle of a meeting or taking care of fractious children or struggling with taking care of relatives, our yoga mats, bathtubs and woodland walks are likely to be out of reach. Like it or not, we need a much better solution. Paul gives us that solution here:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIVUK
Imagine your mind is like a castle, like Buckingham Palace. You will let visitors in, but their access will be limited. There are areas of that castle or palace that are too personal, or where there are treasures that are too valuable, for you to let just anyone in.
That's the way it should be with our thoughts. We should be mindful of what we let in. All of us, every day, are attacked with hundreds of different thoughts. We need to determine which we let in, consider, mull over and think about, and which are dismissed right away. We need a standard to determine what these are. That standard is right here. They must be:
TRUE - Never think deeply about something that has no evidence or is not based in fact. If it's an idea, suspicion, conjecture, hunch or accusation, reject it until it's proved.
NOBLE - Of good character, honest, upright. Dismiss devious, self-interested, manipulative thoughts outright.
RIGHT - Without fault, correct according to Biblical law and teaching.
PURE - Completely lacking in sin in any way.
LOVELY - Pleasing thoughts that are uplifting.
ADMIRABLE - The type of thoughts you would admire yourself or others for having.
EXCELLENT - Of the highest standard, beyond reproach.
PRAISEWORTHY - Thoughts that are worthy of positive recognition.
These are the thoughts that you should allow into the deepest areas of your mind. These are the thoughts that you should mull over, obsess over, deeply consider. All other thoughts should be cast out.
This is the absolute gold standard. This is what we should be aiming for. This is ultimate in mental health. This is true mindfulness.
Although it might not be talked about a lot, the mind is an important part of Christianity, for example:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Mark 12:30 NIVUK
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
Romans 8:5-7 NIVUK
Do not conform 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.
Romans 12:2 NIVUK
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.
Ephesians 4:22-24 NIVUK
Our mind is a critical part of who we are. The Greek word for it includes our attitude, perspective, approach to life and the way that we understand the world around us. The rather amusing thing for an English speaker is that the Greek word for 'mind' is the word 'nous', transliterated into English as 'nouse'. Nouse in English also comprises common sense and intelligence, how you navigate the world around you. Once you become a Christian, this all needs to change. The security on the inner rooms of your mind palace needs to be stricter. You just can't think the way you did before.
Again, we need to see here that this is a persecuted church, and this letter is from a church leader in jail who is on the ancient equivalent of death row. He is writing from a dank, dark, stone-cold cell, under guard, not knowing if he will see tomorrow and he is telling them to guard their minds. This is why he presents himself as their example:
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9 NIVUK
But they are not alone. This verse is key:
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NIVUK
When we pray to God and seek His help, when we try to deepen our relationship with Him, when we stand guard at the secret places of our mind and chase away thoughts that cause us disquiet, then God gives us His peace and stands guard beside us. He gives us the strength to get through life. His peace doesn't come automatically. We have to do our part. Only then will He do His.
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