Minding Your Thoughts
A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Over the past few days we have read about the “right mind,” “doubtful mind,” “readiness of mind,” “humility of mind,” and today a “reprobate mind.” The word “reprobate” means “not standing the test, not approved” (Strongs). What caused God to give these over to a “reprobate mind?” According to this verse the reason is that …they did not like to retain God in their knowledge…
Notice the word “like.” These individuals did not …like to retain God in their knowledge… Consider an illustration. Let’s say that God’s Word states clearly, “Ye shall not eat peanut butter.” It does not say this of course, but for our example let’s say it does. If a person likes peanut butter, likes the smell of it, the texture of it, the taste of it, and has strong memories of the pleasure derived from eating peanut butter with friends, they have a choice to make. Will they like the peanut butter more that they like to retain God’s command about abstinence from peanut butter? Or will they remember God in this peanut butter eating question and refrain, choosing His way over their want?
This, of course, is an oversimplification, but the dilemma is clearly seen. They will like peanut butter, or they will like God’s warning. But not both. One will take precedence over the other.
This plays out in every temptation. The key is what does the mind like to a greater degree. God’s command or their desire? Frankly, if a person wants a life of peanut butter eating, they will naturally grow to exclude any knowledge of God’s Word on the matter. They will not like what God has to say about this subject therefore, they will try to eliminate His influence about it. They will stay away from reading the portion of the Bible that contains this subject, or will attempt to explain it away, and will cease to be around those whom they know live according to God’s warnings. On and on their actions will continue all because they do not like to retain God’s Word in their knowledge.
Happens every day. In the attempt to explain this phrase …they did not like to retain God in their knowledge… a silly example was used, but make sure to read the next four verses after the one that contains that phrase. It lists some of the most stark and horrendous sins imaginable. Even some sins that are so easily overlooked and accepted like: envy, debate, deceit, whisperers, inventors of evil things, even disobedience to parents. Awful. How easy it is to fall into these sinful actions by simply not retaining God in one’s knowledge.
Proverbs 3:5-6 gives the remedy. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. The only way to acknowledge Him is to retain Him in one’s knowledge. So, stay in the Book, God’s Holy Word, spend time with His people who are trying their best to walk in the ways He directs. Go to Sunday School and all the preaching services, and above all, learn to like the retention of Him in all the things of this life. If not, a reprobate mind awaits.
May the Lord Bless and be pleased with your thought life today.
Dr. William T. Howe
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