In 2 Timothy 1:7 the apostle Paul writes, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." The "sound mind" referred to in this verse means a well-balanced mind that is under the control of the Holy Spirit, "remade" according to Romans 12:1,2:

Therefore, my brothers, I implore you by God's mercies to offer your very selves to Him, a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for His acceptance, the worship offered by mind and heart. Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of the present world, but let your minds be remade and your whole nature thus transformed. Then you will be able to discern the will of God and to know it is good, acceptable, and perfect.

Let me ask you; do you make your decisions according to the "sound mind" principle of Scripture?

If you would like to know the will of God for your life according to the "sound mind" principle, consider these questions: First, "Why did Jesus come?" He came "to seek and to save what was lost." Then, "What is the greatest experience of your life?" If you are a Christian, your answer quite obviously will be, "Coming to know Christ personally as my Savior and Lord." Finally, What is the greatest thing that you can do to help others?" The answer again is obvious, "Introducing them to Christ."

Thus, every sincere Christian will want to make his God-given time, talents and treasure available to Christ so that his fullest potential will be realized for Him. For one Christian, this talent which God has given him may be prophetic preaching, evangelism or teaching; for another, it may be business; for another, the ministry or missions; for another, homemaking.

As you evaluate the talents that God has given you, may I suggest that you take a sheet of paper and make a list of the most logical ways through which your life can be used to accomplish the most for the glory of God. List the pros and cons of each opportunity. Where or how, according to the "sound mind" principle, can the Lord Jesus Christ accomplish the most in continuing His great ministry of seeking and saving the lost? Such a procedure will inevitably result in positive actions leading to God's perfect will for your life. But note a word of caution. The "sound mind" principle is not valid unless certain factors exist:

1. There must be no unconfessed sin in your life.
2. Your life must by fully dedicated to Christ, and you must be filled with the Holy Spirit in obedience to the command of Ephesians 5:18.
3. You must walk in the Spirit (abide in Christ) moment by moment, placing your faith in the trustworthiness of God with the confidence that the Lord is directing and will continue to direct your life according to His promises in Scripture.

The counsel of others should be prayerfully considered, especially that of mature, dedicated Christians who know the Word of God and are able to relate the proper use of Scripture to your need. However, be careful not to make the counsel of a "crutch." Although God often speaks to us through other Christians, we are admonished to place our trust in Him (Proverbs 3).

An acceptable consideration for discussing God's will contains four basic factors somewhat similar to the "sound mind" principle. God's will is revealed in (1) the authority of Scripture, (2) providential circumstances, (3) conviction based upon reason, and (4) impressions of the Holy Spirit upon our minds. However, such an appraisal is safer with a mature believer than with a new or carnal Christian, and there is always the danger of misunderstanding impressions.

Know the source of leading before responding to it. To the inexperienced, what appears to be the leading of God may not be from Him at all but from "the rulers of darkness of this world." Satan and his helpers often disguise themselves as "angels of light" by counterfeiting the works of God to deceive His followers.

One further word of caution must be given. It is true that God still reveals His will to some men and women in dramatic ways, but this should be considered the exception rather then the rule.

God still leads today as He has throughout the centuries. Philip the deacon, for example, was holding a successful campaign in Samaria. The "sound mind" principle would have directed him to continue his campaign. However, God overruled by a special revelation, and Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to preach for Christ to the Ethiopian eunuch. According to tradition, God used the Ethiopian eunuch to communicate the message of our living Lord to his own country.

Living according to the "sound mind" principle allows for such dramatic leadings of God, but we are not to wait for revelations before we start moving for Christ. Faith must have an object. A Christian's faith is built upon the authority of God's Word supported by historical fact and not upon any shallow emotional experience. However, a Christian's trust in God's will revealed in His Word will result in the decisions which are made by following the "sound mind" principle. Usually, the confirmation that you are in God's will is a quiet, peaceful assurance that you are doing what God wants you to do with the expectancy that God will use you to bear "much fruit."

The result of a life that is lived according to the "sound mind" principle is the most joyful, abundant and fruitful life of all.

Expect the Lord Jesus Christ to draw men to Himself through you. As you begin each day, acknowledge the fact that you belong to Him. Thank Him for the fact that He lives within you. Invite Him to use your mind to think his thoughts, your heart to express His love, your lips to speak His truth. Ask Jesus to be at home in your life and to walk around in your body in order that He may continue seeking and saving souls through you.

It is my sincere prayer that you may know this kind of life, that you may fully appropriate all that God has given you as your rightful heritage in Christ.