Sound Mindedness………

“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts.  Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace.  Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts”.   II Tim. 2:22 NLT

The Bible teaches that we must worship God “in spirit and truth” (Jn 4:24).    The reference to spirit cannot mean purely physical emotion, as is often thought to be the case in the religions of this world.

There, people actually work up a certain emotion that is generated from human energy, entirely apart from God or self-control.  This often results in people leaping and shouting wildly in supposed “religious fervor”.  This is because people operate by their emotions and are given to extremes based on the atmosphere settings along with the music, lighting and coaxing.

Notice that worshipping God properly also means it “in truth”.   The Bible states that “God’s Word is truth” (Jn 17:17).   Therefore, it is impossible to worship God properly unless one understands what His Word contains.  This means actively studying it, seeking to learn how to properly obey God.

Obedience to God is necessary for one to receive the Spirit of God (Acts 5:32).

Paul wrote that God’s Spirit reflects “power, love and a sound mind” (II Tim.1:7).   A person with sound mindedness knows when to express and when to withhold emotions.   Just from this verse, it is clear that emotional maturity involves a combination of growing up mentally, physically and psychologically to achieve true, full spiritual maturity.

“God didn't give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful.  He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love.  It helps us control ourselves”.  II Tim. 1:7 NIRV