Posted on April 10, 2024, 9:40 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode
The Bible says “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov.4:23) Following increased cases of suicide as a result of stress and mental illness known as disease of the Mind, it has become very necessary and important for us to keep our heart diligent. The bible described the disease as double-minded and unstable in all ways. “he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James.1:8). The Bible considers the (heart-soul-mind) used interchangeably as the triune terms representing the whole being of man (Matthew.22:37). The heart is where the thoughts, emotions, will, initiative, motives, intellect, affection and personality of man is domicile. The way the heart responds to the problem of life which affects the whole being of man is determined by how diligent the heart is. The bible is therefore telling us to keep our heart diligent, because our life will be what our heart cause it to be. How do we keep our heart diligent? The Bible (Philippinas.4:8) recommends meditation on whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, anything of virtue and praiseworthy. Those things are positive in nature and can keep the heart diligent. The scripture went further to discourage thinking more on things on the earth, rather it says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col.3:2). When one set his or her mind more on things above, such person is trying to operate his or her mind at the realm of the spirit and everything at the spirit realm is pure, righteous and holy with the tendency that the soul that receives those things will keep the heart diligent. This can also heal the double minded man that he will begin to think right and becomes stable is his ways. Always remember and believe the promises of God in the scriptures. It will help you to keep your heart diligent. For example, He says “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah.43:2). They are great promises of God that has been stamped with the Yes and amen of Jesus Christ. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Cor.1:20) Our heart can be kept diligent by avoiding false prophets and false teachings. The false prophets are the people the scripture referred to as using smooth talk and flattering words to deceive the heart of the simple. (Rom.16:18) They claim to see vision, they glory in their shame with the mindset on earthly things. Their vision is always to corrupt the mind of their victim. The scripture says their god is their belly. The truth of the matter regarding this set of prophets is to consciously avoid them, because it is always very difficult to get away from them if one is unfortunate to become a victim. We can keep our mind diligent by what is termed “preventive medicine for the mind” which is seeking God until He comes and rains righteousness on us (Hosea.10:12). Seeking God means setting aside definite times for prayers, supplication and fasting. It is described as time of shutting the world out and getting alone with God for his sanctification, forgiveness and mercy. It is known to be a very powerful preventive medicine for the heart which should be taken simultaneously with all other preventive measures listed above. In all these, I want us to take note that all the things to meditate on, things that are above and the promises of God as highlighted above, are all written in the Bible. It therefore means that to have access to those things requires studying the Bible regularly. Likewise, defence against false prophet and false teaching starts with the growing knowledge of the scripture while the knowledge and application of the word of God help us to pray according to the will of God. In summary, it means that if truly someone wants to keep his or her mind diligent, such person must give time to studying the Bible, believe the Bible as the word of God and also believe that it is infallible. No wonder the psalmist says “The entrance of your words gives light” (Psal.119:130a). Evangelism If you are reading this piece and you have not given your life to Christ, I urge you to do so now. Visit a Bible believing Church around you, Jesus is waiting for you there. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
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