The Will and the Mind
by Paul Watson
A very important aspect of our walk with the Lord involves the interaction between our mind and our will. I have been thinking about this quite a lot recently.
It has often been said that the mind is the battleground. It’s the place where we wrestle with temptation, and where we reason, plan and strategize in our life. The will, however, has the final say.
The mind is where the old nature stages its comebacks, or suffers its defeats.
The human will is crucial to the godly walk of a disciple of Jesus. The command to ‘take every thought captive’is actually an act of the will.
So, it may be said that the will is the governing aspect of the soul.
If I’m to live a holy life I need to take thoughts captive to Christ and allow my mind to be renewed, which leads to transformation (Romans 12). But my will needs help from the Holy Spirit to make right choices.
My will needs help to choose to turn off the television and pray with my family, to act lovingly, to forgive, to think God-honouring thoughts, not to eat junk food and to exercise.
The apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:13 ‘…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose’. It’s God’s grace that enables us to make right decisions and act in godly ways.
Prayer: Father, would You please help me to make right, godly choices. Strengthen my will to make decisions that please You, that honour You, and give glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Paul Watson At the end of 2020, Paul stepped down from his role as Centre Director of Ellel Pierrepont in the UK, and with his wife Diane, returned to live in Western Australia. They are enjoying having a break and spending time with their family. Paul and Diane are still on the Board of Ellel Ministries Australia.
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