Attuned

February 10

In Matthew 12: 43-45, Jesus says, “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

In this passage Jesus makes it quite clear that it is not sufficient to merely empty oneself of negative or debasing or evil thoughts. It is not enough to clear ones mind of the clutter of day-to-day things, for it is inevitable that an empty space will be filled by something.

Unless an individual makes a concerted effort to replace the negative things within his sphere with things that are uplifting and good, the proclivity to return to disdainful thoughts, which lead to reprehensible deeds, will overtake him.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul has given the remedy for man’s inclination to immerse himself in unprofitable thoughts and pursuits; he says:

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord…

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you,” Philippians 4:1, 4-9.

Let us not merely empty ourselves of the clutter of the world and its opinion; rather, let us require lofty thoughts of ourselves! Let us allow ourselves to have within us “the mind of Christ,” Philippians 2:5 so in all our dealings with men, in all our innermost thoughts, in our relationship with our God, we will be attuned to His will and His way.