Filling The Mind With Timeless Truth

Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching … Be diligent in these matters.
1 Timothy 4:13,15

“Garbage in, garbage out.” It’s a principle of computer programming that states that a computer can only respond to a question on the basis of information it has been supplied. If all you put in is “garbage,” that’s all you will get back in return.

What you feed your mind becomes the basis for the lifestyle you lead. Charles Hodge discusses the significance of good “input” in the Christian life.

WALK WITH CHARLES HODGE
“It is unreasonable to expect to be conformed to the image of God unless the truth concerning God operates continuously upon the mind.

“How can the love of Christ increase in those who hardly ever think of him or of his work? We cannot make progress in holiness unless we devote much time to reading, hearing, and meditating upon the Word of God, which is the truth whereby we are sanctified.

“The more this truth is brought before the mind—the more we commune with it, entering into its concerns, applying it to our own case, appropriating its principles, rejoicing in its promises—the more we may expect to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

“Those distinguished for their godliness have been those accustomed to withdraw the mind from the influence of the world and to bring it under the influence of the

Word of God.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Here is a helpful “five finger” method for getting a grasp on a passage of Scripture:

1. Read it.

2. Hear it.

3. Study it.

4. Memorize it.

5. Meditate on it.

The grasp will be weaker or stronger depending on the number of fingers you use and how often you exercise that grasp.