The Value of a Made-Up Mind

by David Gibson

We all know how easily New Year’s resolutions can fall apart, but this post is about truly making up our minds to avoid evil and choose good—at any time of year. Here are some Bible examples to inspire us to do just that—and keep doing it:

• Job resolved, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin? What would be my portion from God above and my heritage from the Almighty on high?” (Job 31:1-2 ESV). Job’s decision was motivated by his desire not to jeopardize his relationship with God. How we need to hear this with porn more available than ever!
• “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26 ESV). Moses made up his mind to refuse and to choose. The promised reward kept him true to his resolution.
• David determined, “I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress” (Psalm 17:3 ESV). Failure to bridle our tongue makes our religion worthless (James 1:26).
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told King Nebuchadnezzar, “... we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:18 ESV).
  Faithful in the face of death! If severe persecution comes our way, will we hold true?
• Fed up with the misery he had brought on himself, the Prodigal Son resolved, “I will arise and go to my father.” Two verses later it says, “And he arose, and came to his father” (Luke 15:18-20 KJV).
• Speaking of Jesus, Luke wrote, “When the days were approaching for His ascension, he was determined to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51 NASB). “... let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus ... who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB).

Therefore:

“I am resolved to enter the kingdom,
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.”

Oh, the incalculable value, the inestimable worth of a made-up mind!