Are You Out of Your Mind?

// Craig W. Hagin

When adversity arises, many Christians try to figure out how to fix the problem themselves instead of turning their situation over to the Lord. When they do this, they are allowing themselves to be governed by their minds. They don't realize it, but they are only limiting themselves.

Basically, our minds are carnal. I'm not talking about sin; I'm talking about the way we think. The carnal mind will limit us in every way: in our finances, our abilities, and so forth. When our mind isn't renewed with the Word of God, it's quick to tell us what we can and can't do. It will tell us there's no way out of our situation.

One reason our minds tell us these things is that we've been taught them. We learn in school by reading and studying books. But we also learn through experience. For example, many parents have told their children not to touch a hot stove. But some kids don't listen and touch it anyway. They learn from experience why they shouldn't touch a stove when it's hot.

Some people have had bad experiences with other people. And because of that they feel that people can't be trusted. And a lack of trust in people often translates into a lack of trust in God. Why? Because part of trusting God involves letting people minister to you. God ministers through His people. Yes, it's true that people miss it and make mistakes. But we also have to remember that many people are trustworthy. We shouldn't let any bad experience dictate the way we live the rest of our lives.

Changing the Way We Think

Many people don't realize it, but the devil attacks us in our minds because our minds control who we are. That's why it's important that we learn to live by the Spirit of God and not by the carnal mind.

It's when we get out of our minds that we'll get into God's mind. That's when things will start happening. When we quit trying to figure things out, God and His ability will be able to shine through us. But as long as we're trying to do something, we're not letting God work in our lives.

In Isaiah 55:8 the Lord says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." This scripture challenges us to start thinking the way God thinks. When we do, our perspective will change. We'll stop saying things like, "I can't do that," or, "I can't afford that."

If we keep trying to do things in our own strength and ability, those things won't work. But when we let go and let God, we'll take the limits off. When our minds are stayed on Him, there's no limit to what we can do.

Who's In Charge?

Our mind will always try to dominate us. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:23, "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind." He goes on to admonish us not to allow any corrupt communication to come out of our mouths (v. 29). And he exhorts us to get rid of all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking (v. 31). An unrenewed mind will naturally do all of these things.

But when we begin to think the way God thinks, we'll "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another" (Eph. 4:32).

Paul encouraged us to set our minds on things above (Col. 3:2 NKJV). He knew that when we do, our lives will change and we won't allow our thoughts to hold us back.

So let's get out of our minds and change the way we think. When we line our minds up with the Word of God, there's nothing we can't do!