The human mind is capable of wonderful creations. We’ve explored both the ocean depths and outer space and are beginning to understand the building blocks of life. The advances in science over the last 150 years are staggering. Most have occurred in my lifetime. What will we see in the 20 years?
Sometimes, however, we use our minds for evil. Before the flood, God lamented that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5.)
Too often turn our imaginations to weapons of destruction. Chemists working with dyes discovered medical possibilities, but the cancer-fighting experiments were interrupted by WWI. Instead, the lab began to produce the chlorine and mustard gas.
Time and energy spent on weapons and warfare could help find cures for diseases, environmental degradation, and the devastation of poverty. When it is used for wicked imaginations, the mind, a bottomless well of ideas, turns deadly.
God wants us to stop planning pain! He hates a heart that devises wicked plans (Proverbs 6:18.) We can be very clever in planning to hurt someone who gets in the way. Whether it is for getting even or for advancing ourselves, God hates our scheming.
A mind surrendered to God refuses to delight in evil or scheme to hurt others. The Bible urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2.)
Deliberately set your mind on honorable things. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8.)
