We’ve examined our divided hearts and begun cardiac rehab, and we’ve peered into our souls and coached up our broken identity.

Now it’s time to shine a bright light into the dark recesses of our minds and expose whatever sin may be lurking there and preventing us from being “ALL IN.”

We can’t get far in our Christian journey to be ALL IN if we don’t understand that our minds are where many of our bloodiest battles take place.

What we think matters because what we put into our minds determines what comes out – our attitudes and actions.

What do you think about? Which one of these best describes the state of your mind?

The Natural Mind:

• The natural mind is full of futility and darkness. Ephesians 4:17
• It is closed to God and hardened against Him. Ephesians 4:18
• The natural, sinful mind is death, hostile to God; it does not and cannot submit to God’s law. Romans 8:6,7

The Redeemed Mind:

• Is a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Leans not on its own understanding, but acknowledges God in all ways. Proverbs 3:5,6
• Walks in truth. 3 John 1:4
• Does not conform to the world, but is transformed by renewing in Christ and His Word. Romans 12:2

The Obedient Mind:

• Takes captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
• If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, thinks about such things. Philippians 4:8
• Is set on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
• Is prepared for action and conforms to the holiness of God in all things. 1 Peter 1:13,15

The Supernatural Mind:

• Shares in God's divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4
• Has the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16
• Is indwelt by Christ. Galatians 2:20

Maybe your mind is hardened toward God, or you never fully surrendered to the lordship of Christ. It could be you are struggling against the pull of this world, believing lies rather than the truth.

Perhaps you need encouragement and a mentor to show you how to walk with an obedient mind. Whatever your struggle, there is hope!

But just like the athletes or soldiers who train their physical bodies for competition or battle, we must undergo continual, spiritual training in order to bring lasting transformation to our minds. Listening to our personal trainer, the Holy Spirit, is the beginning of our renewal.

The good news is that as athletes, you absolutely understand the rigors and benefits of disciplined, strenuous, consistent training. It’s in your DNA.

Therefore, embrace the spiritual disciplines (prayer, Scripture memory, service, fellowship, Bible study, discipleship and worship) with the same ALL IN attitude, and you will begin winning the battle for your mind.

What’s in it for you: peace, wholeness, mental health, stability, fruitfulness, truth, power, influence, leadership, fearlessness, courage, love, wisdom, Christlikeness! Need I say more?

A prayer to consider: Lord, move us from hardened minds to holy minds!