Proverbs 23:7
Spiritual Nutrition
In the Spiritual Nutrition Introduction, I made this statement, “Both physical and spiritual nutrition are important because we always become what we eat.” Proverbs 23:7 is considered the Bible verse that says, “You are what you eat.” It states, “As a man thinks, so is he.”
One of the most amazing gifts that God has given us is the human mind. The ability to learn, think, choose, and reason is the essence of what makes us human. While the ability to think makes us human, it actually goes deeper. Your thoughts become a reflection of who you really are. Thoughts come into our minds; then we act on those thoughts; actions are done over and over, become habits that then become a major part of our lifestyle and determine how we see and comprehend all the various issues in the world.
The mind is neutral. It depends on what is put into it that determines which way it will go. The expression, “Garbage in, garbage out,” is true. You have two major influences on your mind. God, who loves us and wants the best for us, wants us to yield to the control of the indwelling Holy Spirit to control our thoughts for us to have the mind of Christ with Godly wisdom with an eternal perspective. The second major influence is focused on the flesh and this world and comes either directly or indirectly from Satan and his demonic followers, who can produce a carnal mind in any number of ways with human and worldly wisdom with a temporal perspective.
So, basically, a believer in Jesus Christ has a choice of two thought alternatives: thinking like Jesus or thinking like the world and Satan.
So, we must deal very carefully with our thoughts since they basically control us. In fact, God tells us that we must take every thought captive.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
One of Satan’s primary tactics is to influence our thoughts. We are being invaded by Satan and his demon army in the world today with this battle tactic of controlling our thoughts through news media, social media, politicians, the internet, curriculum, etc. During my life, I have been a witness to what has appeared to be a growing trend of evil. However, from reading the Old Testament, this evil trend has been here since Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Immediately after this fall, brother was killing brother, and evil progressed and flourished until every person was doing what was right in their own eyes.
God has provided an offensive weapon for each of us to fight these ongoing battles of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:17 “...the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” All who are willing to embrace the truths of God's Word will enjoy more and more freedom from the enemy's lies. Jesus states in John 8:31–32 “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They will grow in understanding of, and reliance upon, the victorious purposes of Jesus' coming to this earth. “For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil” 1 John 3:8.
The war against Satan and his followers has already been won at the cross. Satan’s demise is already written by His Creator in Revelation 20:10 “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire…and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Do not fear him; Satan’s ongoing battles to control your thoughts today can be defeated with the powerful and living Word of God.
The Word of God allows us to realize the victory through Christ and encourages us in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this present world but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”
The word “transformed” is the Greek word “metamorphosis,” which is what happens when a caterpillar spins a web, then struggles out of the web to become a beautiful butterfly. You no longer have to be a creature slowly moving through a difficult world but one with wings to fly above it. You are then able to “Set your mind on things above, not on the things of the earth.” Colossians 3:2
“I do not know where Thinking Like Jesus Thinks might lead us. I imagine we will be led to some uncomfortable circumstances. But if you want to take your Christian faith seriously, you will have to strive to have the same mind in you that is in Christ Jesus. You must endeavor to Think Like Jesus Thinks. Self-ambition, conceit, pride, arrogance, looking to your own interest—these are the thoughts of men. Humility and unconditional love are the thoughts of God. Think not of your own interest but also of the interests of others. Think Like Jesus.” Rev. Frank Logue, sermon on “Thinking Like Jesus Thinks.”
