Purity Muscles

The longer I live the more I am convinced that my mind operates much in the same manner as a muscle. The more I feed and nourish it with good, healthy "food" the more likely it is to respond favorably. Also, as I exercise this mind muscle it strengthens in its ability to ward off temptation and focus on purity. But the process of strengthening differs from that of a physical muscle.

When I work out a muscle it tears, rests, and is rebuilt bigger and stronger. The end result is I end up with a bigger muscle. This isn't so with my mind, not spiritually speaking. When I "workout" my mind the intent is to strengthen my resolve against temptations and other various spiritual attacks, while simultaneously sharpening my focus on that which is true, noble, right, pure, etc. This exercise is not about increasing the size of MY mind or abilities, but rather exposing the infinite abilities and power of the life of Christ already dwelling within me. My abilities and potential are imperceptible against the vast expanse of God's awesome power. It is to my advantage to decrease that He might increase.

So, the real discipline of exercising my mind is not of acquiring knowledge or expanding capacity. The real goal is peeling off the layers of pride, sin, and spiritual laziness to expose the great treasure of wealth, the very life of Christ, living in me. This proves to be a most difficult task at times and one that allows no rest. It demands my attention at all times and but for the grace of God I would be constantly consumed by the sheer volume of distraction to this one, simple task.

It's never easy getting in shape. But it sure beats being tossed about like the wind.

Pumping mental iron,

jonathan