The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

I've heard it many times in my life and perhaps you have as well. The phrase was intended to inspire others (usually young people) to do something more with their time other than playing video games, reading comic books, or playing with toys. It was generally meant to encourage one to do their homework or read a good book although it can double as a sarcastic commentary on one's poor choices (read: two fries short of a happy meal, one brick shy of load). Are you ready for it?

 

Source: Public Domain



"The mind is a terrible thing to waste."

I've come to a place in my life where I "get it." I see the point of this phrase, but not only in ways previously mentioned. I see a different side of it (of course).

It IS terrible to waste a mind, but I don't mean the mentality of, "it's terrible not to study and read in order for you to sound really smart in front of everyone and they'll know you didn't waste your mind. Then maybe they'll see you as the 'knowledge guru' and no one will ever question your choices because you are the Yoda of not wasting a mind." Come on, now. I know you have someone in mind who fits this description. Don't lie. {wink, wink}

Sure. Reading is important. Learning is important. The problem is that I've known too many people who were really smart with book knowledge, computer knowledge, or even Bible knowledge, but they have wasted their mind because it was still only focused on themselves. A selfish mind is a wasted mind. I repeat...

A selfish mind is a wasted mind.

The Bible tells us that as a part of our new identity in Christ, we have been given the mind of Christ. However, that probably doesn't mean what you think it means. Some people are ready to run home and tell their husbands, wives, friends, or children, "Hey! You can't argue with me because I have the mind of Jesus so I'm right! HA! Top THAT!"

Don't do that. Please. :)

In fact, go ahead and read these two verses: 

 

For "Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things because we have the mind of Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT)

 

In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 

-Philippians 2:5 (ERV)

 

We have the  mind of Christ available to us. It is what reveals the Father's nature to his children. It's how his sheep know the voice of the Shepherd. The mind of Christ is what gives us discernment into seemingly "murky" situations and bestows wisdom in the midst of chaos.

 

However, it is also what encourages us to be selfless, to give of ourselves even when it's hard, and to think of others as more than ourselves. Jesus didn't come to earth in all his glory. He lowered himself to become a HUMAN and experience life as a human....not as God. He spoke only what the Father told him to say and did only what the Father told him to do. This is the mind that we have been given: the mind to selflessly obey our Father out of love for him and love for others. Today, let's choose to access this mind of Christ and allow it to do it's work in us.

 

Lord, help us to have the mind of Christ more and more each day. Help us to choose your selfless ways over our selfish, indulgent ways. Fill us with a love for you and a love for others that brings you glory and joy. Renew our minds as we meditate on you and listen for your still, small voice. Teach us what it means to truly live in the mind of Christ.

 In Jesus Name, Amen

 

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Like Inigo Montoya says...

For those of you who know me, you know that I absolutely LOVE the movie, "The Princess Bride." Getting into a quote battle with me is like going against a Sicilian when death is on the line....you just don't do it. (See how I snuck that one in there?) Much of the conversation that takes place in my home is filled with accents and all sorts of movie quotes. If you've never seen the movies we quote, you'd think we were all insane after one trip to my home (yes, you read right..."we all" means that we've corrupted...or enhanced...our children with this practice).

One of my favorite quotes from Inigo Montoya (OK, seriously, if this name is unfamiliar to you, go watch "The Princess Bride." Go on...I'll wait.) is when he says, "Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up." He had a whale of a story to share with the man in black, but he was short on time. That is how I feel right now.

I have so much to say, but I have to summarize it into one blog. HA!

This past year has just been nuts. At this time last year, I was in great need of a creative outlet. I had so much in my heart and mind that I couldn't hold it inside any longer. Thus, my blog was born. Right around that time, I also had a birthday. I turned 33. That is a pretty big number...not age-wise, of course, but Biblically speaking. At the age of 33, Jesus Christ suffered a horrendously brutal death to save every human being on earth from the bondage of sin and eternal punishment. I can't imagine CHOSING to do something like that at my age. But he did. They didn't "take" his life from him. He gave it freely with a purpose.

That thought intrigued me so I prayed a prayer. You'll think I'm nuts when you read what I prayed, but hang out with me long enough and you'll know I'm nuts regardless. Here's what I prayed:

Holy Father,

I want to dedicate this next year to Christ. I want to draw nearer, be more connected, and I want to understand him more. By this time next year, I want to BE more like Christ. This year is yours. Take it and do as you wish for your glory.

In Jesus' Name, Amen

Yep...I did it. I know, right? Apparently, that got God's attention and He got right to work. Things began to shift rapidly and all of a sudden I felt like I had been sucked into a vortex. My life dramatically changed (thus limiting my time for blogging, but that's another story for another day). From my relationships, family, and location, to my church experience, relationship with God, and my employment. Nothing is the same. Some changes are good, but some changes were painful. As you may have read in my previous blog, I have faced some definite trials along the way....some that had significant impact. It wasn't until I had a conversation with my husband that I began to see how God answered my prayer.

I was feeling very much like the devil's chew toy when my husband said, "But you don't understand. Through this situation, I have seen you become more like Christ. I have seen Christ in you more than ever as you worked through this. When you faced this situation years ago, it destroyed you. This time is different."

It IS different because I have learned to live my life surrendered to the King. When we hold on too tightly to the things of this world, it hurts when they are taken away. When we hold tightly to eternal things, they will never be taken away.

As I approach my next birthday this summer, I anxiously anticipate the things God has in store for me in the big 3-4. I have a feeling it will be nothing I would have dreamed to ask for and so much better than I could think up on my own (Have you ever considered piracy? You'd make a wonderful Dread Pirate Roberts!).

I'm yours God. I'm all in....the point of no return. Fire swamps and all.