Do you have a healthy mind?
Consider the human mind. It is distinct from the brain, yet it flows from it. At birth, the mind is much like a blank disk—ready to be filled. Over time, experiences, relationships, education, and culture all leave their imprint. As information is absorbed, decisions are made, habits form, and life takes shape. So the question is worth asking: Do you have a healthy mind?
The condition of our minds matters because an unhealthy mind requires discipline. In Philippians 4, Paul urges us to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. This kind of focus does not happen naturally—it takes intentional discipline. Our minds are easily crowded with anxiety, anger, fear, and other toxic emotions. Earlier in Philippians, Paul calls us to adopt the mind of Christ, reminding us that Jesus reflected the heart of the Father. That kind of mental discipline is challenging, especially in a culture filled with constant conflict.
Viktor Frankl understood this truth deeply. An Austrian Jew imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps, Frankl lost everything—his family, freedom, possessions, and dignity. Yet he realized there was one thing his captors could not take: his ability to choose his attitude. He could choose bitterness or hope, hatred or forgiveness. He chose hope. Frankl survived the camps and later founded logotherapy, helping countless people find meaning and mental health.
Scripture reminds us that our thoughts shape our actions: “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs). I know this personally. There was a season when my thoughts tried to control me through fear and panic. During that time, I carried Scripture verses on small cards in my pocket. When anxiety struck, I would stop, read a verse slowly, and refocus my mind on God’s truth instead of toxic thoughts. That is mental discipline.
Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4, urging us to put away bitterness, anger, and malice, and to choose kindness, forgiveness, and grace—something only possible through disciplined thinking and the help of the Holy Spirit.
We cannot avoid mental conflict, but we can choose how we respond. Joseph’s story in Genesis illustrates this powerfully. Betrayed by his brothers and imprisoned unjustly, Joseph later faced them again when he held power in Egypt. Instead of revenge, he chose forgiveness, saying, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.”
If your mind feels polluted by fear or negative thinking, Scripture offers hope: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). God desires your mind—not to burden you, but to bring peace, freedom, and security.
SOAP Scripture: Romans 12:2
S: (scripture)
Read the above passage and underline, highlight, or write down passages that stand out to you. Maybe re-read it a few times if that’s helpful.
O: (observation)
Write down things you observe about the passage. Maybe it’s a word that stood out to you, something the passage made you think about, or a question that you have.
A: (application)
Write down some ways that the passage applies to your life. Make it personal.
P: (prayer)
Take a moment and pray. Ask God to make the passage practical to your everyday life.
