While pressing toward the goal involves definite actions, it begins with our minds.  If we are to finish the spiritual course that we are on, we must first be determined to do so.  Pressing toward the goal demands a strong and healthy spiritual mindset.

Paul delivers one of the great teachings on the importance of our minds in Romans 8.

Romans 8:5–6 (ESV)
⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  ⁶ For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  

What kind of mind do you have?  It is clear from Paul’s words that we all determine whether we are spiritually minded (setting our minds on the things of the Spirit) or carnally minded (setting our minds on the flesh).  The unmistakable conclusion is that if we are to thrive spiritually, we must be a spiritually minded people.

Being spiritually minded is not something that is perfected in a day, or not even in a lifetime.  It is another area of growth that is a part of pressing toward the goal.  We will always be able to improve spiritually but we have to want to do it.  This begins with protecting our minds.

How do we protect our minds?  First, by being careful about what we allow to infiltrate them.  This world is filled with things that can corrupt our minds (books, movies, internet sites, etc.).  These are things that can influence the way we think and hinder our spirituality.  How we think has a lot to do with how we live.   Sin always begins in the heart.

Matthew 15:19 (RSV)
¹⁹ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.

Jesus tells us that these acts of sin originate in the heart.  We can avoid them, and other carnal acts, by making sure we keep carnal thoughts out of our minds or at least do not allow them to linger if they infiltrate our defenses.

The second thing we must do to fortify our minds is purposely fill them with things we know will strengthen them and lead to more spiritual mindedness.  Just avoiding improper things is not enough.  That will keep us from having corrupt minds, but it will not in itself strengthen them.  For our minds to be fortified spiritually, we must make it a habit of thinking about the right things.  Paul reminds us of this.

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
⁸ 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.

Thinking about things that are honorable and pure is spiritually healthy.

Something specific that we should fill our minds with is the Word of God.  If you really want to have a spiritual mindset, make a habit of filling your hearts with God’s Word.  Paul wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly…” (Colossians 3:16).  The Psalmist knew the power of this.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Let us all strive to master what we allow into our hearts, avoiding things that corrupt them and filling them with the Word of God.  If we do this, our minds will be fortified spiritually as we press on toward the goal.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.