A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"An Open Mind?"

Have you ever been accused of not being "open minded?" I hope that you have! No where in Scripture are Christians encouraged or instructed to have open minds. You will not find anywhere where it is even implied or insinuated. An open mind is a most dangerous thing. It is like a gutter... it catches anything. Most often when someone accuses you of not having an open mind, it actually means that you don't agree with them.

Scripture commands us to have minds that are "made new."(Ephesians 4:23) We are instructed to "not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,"(Romans 12:2a) and to keep our minds "steadfast" on God, trusting in Him. (Isaiah 26:3) We are charged to have "one mind" among us and that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 13:11) These verses, which are just a few, in no way indicate that Christians are to be open minded. Indeed, they reveal that our minds are to be clearly centered and devoted to God and His will. If our minds are open at all, they are to be open to the Holy Spirit. He, with cleansing transforming power, teaches us all truth and brings to remembrance God's Word. (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:12-14) Only then can we love God will all our minds and be steadfast on Him.

It is said that some people have minds like concrete, all mixed up and permanently set. This is not what is being suggested here. Christians are thinkers, reasoners and learners. The issue here is bing carnal minded, being "open minded," catching and accepting whatever comes our way, and buying into it without holy scrutiny.

Beloved, let us with passionate fervor keep our minds steadfast on God, open only to the Holy Spirit's work. And the next time we are accused of not being open minded, let us reply: "Guilty as charged! Our minds are open only to God, His truth and His work!"

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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