At the midweek service for this week, Pastor Joseph Ice spoke on the topic of “The Mind,” rooted in Genesis 1:26-28.
Pastor Ice began by highlighting the significance of the term “Elohim,” which is the plural form of God, with the singular being “eloha.” This understanding underscores the unity and harmony within the Trinity, where no competition exists.
A critical distinction was made between God creating man and forming man. Pastor Ice explained that being made in the image of God refers to our essence. Our minds, therefore, should be filled with value, not left empty or cluttered with garbage. The direction of our lives is determined by the quality of our minds, aligning with Ecclesiastes 5:19, which states that even God cannot help us beyond the state of our minds.
God is a thinker who plans and thinks excellent thoughts, a characteristic we are called to emulate. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts (and minds) with diligence, as our lives flow from them. Adam, the first man, was not a complete creation; God’s vision for humanity was a combination of spirit, soul, and body, culminating in the new creation described in Ephesians 2:10.
Pastor Ice elaborated on the process of creation, noting that another term for create is regenerate. Our souls allow us to function in the physical world, while the flesh represents thoughts not submitted to God, often referred to as the carnal mind. The transformation of the soul, rather than its rebirth, is crucial, as highlighted in Romans 12:2. The soul comprises three parts:
- The Intellect: The seat of learning, where we think, create, probe, and analyze.
- The Will: The seat of decision-making, which can be trained to make firm or weak decisions, ensuring an airtight decision-making process.
- The Emotions: The seat of feelings, where we experience our emotions.
Perception, Pastor Ice emphasized, is stronger than reality. Therefore, taking responsibility for the state of our minds is non-negotiable. Our minds can be fed, trained, and exercised, as stated in Hebrews 5:13-14, encouraging us to practice and develop our mental faculties.
As we continue to grow in our spiritual journey, let us remember that our lives cannot surpass the quality of our minds. By cultivating a mind that reflects the essence and excellence of God’s thoughts, we align ourselves with His divine purpose and vision for our lives.
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