The Head Serves the Heart
Christians are called to engage the mind in their pursuit of holiness, look at these passages:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Colossians 3:2 ESV
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 ESV
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”
2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 ESV
So, let me ask you—where's your mind at today?
If you're like me, the mind can seemingly go where it wants without any intervention from me. I begin to drift and think about things as they present themselves to me throughout the day. Whatever duties or desires I have in front of me can sometimes get most, if not all, of the bandwidth in my head. But when that happens we miss out on something valuable.
The great gift of the human mind is that it can serve to stoke the flames of the human heart for God. Pastor and author John Piper wrote this about the relationship between the head and the heart:
"If you apprehended reality for what it really is, your heart would be ignited with a white-hot affection for the supreme reality: God himself. Or to put it several other ways, right thinking about God exists for the sake of right feelings for God — in that order. Logic exists for the sake of love. Reasoning exists for the sake of rejoicing. Doctrine exists for the sake of delight. Reflection about God exists for affection for God. The head is meant to serve the heart. Knowing the truth is the basis of admiring the truth."
Would you say your head is serving your heart? Have you thought about what your mind is up to throughout the day? We may need to seize the gift of the mind afresh for the sake of proper worship.
Take a second today and heed Paul's exhortation, allowing whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise—namely, Jesus—to have proper space within your thoughts today.
Leverage the autonomy you have over your mind to focus on Christ and thus serve the heart.
Linger over the word of God allowing it to saturate your mind, praying that the Holy Spirit would impassion your heart for the things of God.
Lord, help us all commit to that afresh today!
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin