"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV).
Some years ago, a young college graduate came to me for counsel concerning God's will for his life. "How can I know what God wants me to do?" he asked.
Briefly, I explained a helpful approach to knowing the will of God: following what I call the "sound mind principle" of Scripture.
In less than an hour, by following the suggestions contained in this principle, this young man discovered what he had been seeking for years. He discovered not only the work which God wanted him to do but also the organization and manner in which he was to serve our Lord. Today he is serving Christ as a missionary in Africa, where he and his wife are touching the lives of thousands throughout the entire continent.
What is this "sound mind principle"? This verse refers to a well-balanced mind - a mind that is under the control of the Holy Spirit. It involves the practice of determining God's wisdom and direction through use of your mind saturated with God's Word, instead of relying only on emotional impressions. Though God often leads us through impressions, He generally expects us to use our "sound minds."
For example, when you have an important decision to make, take a sheet of paper, list all the positive and negative factors. Then consider what God's Word has to say about the matter - directly or indirectly. Be sure you are controlled by the Holy Spirit, then make your decision on the basis of what seems obvious, unless God specifically leads you to the contrary.
"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2, KJV).
TODAY'S ACTION POINT: In every major decision I face today, I will apply the sound mind principle to determine God's will in the matter, unless God specifically and supernaturally leads me to do something else which is also consistent with Scripture.
TODAY'S ACTION LINK: Dr. Bright has developed a helpful 5-step study on discovering God's will through the sound mind principle. Click to learn more about 5 Steps to Knowing God's Will.
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