It’s fun to ask young children the question, “What are you thinking about?” The answers are often quite unexpected, sometimes surprising, and usually revealing. It is a good question to ask because in their innocence they will generally tell you the truth and give you genuine insight into their dreams and ideas as well as their questions and concerns. Asking adults the same question is not nearly so revealing. Over time we learn to admit to others only a part of what is on our mind. We become selective in our willingness to share our thoughts and ideas, our struggles and worries, as well as our joys and delights. There is no question, however, that whether we share our thoughts and ideas with others what we are think in our minds determines the person that we will become.
Perhaps that is the very reason that once Paul had established the condition of man and the redemption that Jesus came to offer to all those who would put their faith in Him, he quickly moved on to explain what it could mean to live in accordance with the Spirit by having our minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Romans 8: 5) God’s Spirit is the One who comes to live in us so that we can begin to grasp some very amazing realities. When we are controlled by the Spirit, He will bring to us life and peace. He will help us to grasp that we really are children of God and co-heirs with Christ. He actually wants to transform our minds so that what we our thinking lines up with the purposes that He has for us. What could be more amazing?
Perhaps the next time someone asks you, “What’s on your mind?” you will be able to tell them one of the wonderful things that God has brought to your attention. If you are looking for a good place to get some ideas, read Romans 8!