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In the spiritual realm, we must likewise employ a very discriminating filter when deciding what to let into our mindsand
what to keep out. By His grace, God has given us the most comprehensive filter of all in the form of His timeless Truth and
Wisdom: The Bible. This filter must be applied regularly, however. Otherwise, it will be of little use. In Deuteronomy 6:69, God instructs us to keep His Word on our hearts, tongues, and minds all-day-long in order that obedience and
understanding might be perfected by continual immersion in the Truth. As another example, consider the noble Bereans
who eagerly searched the Scriptures daily to see if those things that they were told passed the test of Gods Word (Acts
17:11).
Many people in this world take pride in saying, I like to keep an open mind. Well, according to Gods Word, this is
foolishness. Like an open door, an open mind allows anything and everything to pass both in and out. If you live in farm
country, would you leave the screen door to your house open on a hot July day? I dont expect that you would unless you
enjoy a gathering of winged, multi-legged visitors hovering around your dinner table in the evening.
A primary goal of discipleship is to allow only that which is good to enter into ones mindand then to keep it in while also
keeping the bad out. Anything that is less than pure and God-honoring becomes poison for the mind. We have to be very
discriminating and selective at all times and in all instancesand this is not done without a determined, conscious effort.
In summary, the keys to maintaining spiritual health and vitality are to stay at the Source of our salvation and to safeguard
our minds and bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We can only accomplish these things by
continually using Gods Word to test and filter our thoughts, our attitudes, and our behavior. This practice is to become a
daily, life-long habit (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:16). We must be ever steadfast and vigilant in our Christian walkfor the
devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Brian Heaphy is a former U.S. Navy SEAL Officer, Federal Officer, and Wilderness Guide who now
makes his home in Alaskas remote upper Yukon River valley. While practicing a subsistence
lifestyle, he photographs Creation and writes about Living On Purpose at The Speed Of Life. TM
Brian most enjoys formatting his award-winning images as Scripture-versed note cards and
Christmas cards. These Christian cards (along with his museum-quality prints and stretched-canvas
products) are available for viewing and sales at www.brianheaphy.com (view the card images and
verses via the Product Information page). Brians work may also be found at fine art galleries,
museums, and gift shops nationwide.
All images and authorial texts Copyright Brian M. Heaphy
Scripture verses and verse segments are taken from The New American Standard Bible , Copyright 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.