The mind plays a significant role in shaping a person’s actions, attitudes, and overall life. The Bible highlights various types of sinful thoughts and attitudes that can corrupt and lead to sinful behavior. These sins of the mind reflect the inner state of a person, and as Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our thoughts determine our actions, and the Bible warns against allowing the mind to be filled with harmful or destructive thoughts.
Types of Sins of the Mind
- The Corrupt Mind of Evil Thoughts
- Matthew 5:27-28: “Ye have heard that it was said of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
- Jesus teaches that even thinking evil or sinful thoughts, such as lust, is equivalent to committing the act in one’s heart. The mind must be kept pure to avoid sinful desires.
- Proverbs 23:7: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
- The thoughts we entertain in our hearts shape our character. A mind filled with corrupt or sinful thoughts leads to a corrupt character and sinful actions.
- Matthew 5:27-28: “Ye have heard that it was said of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
- The Ambitious Mind of Self-Esteem
- Luke 9:46-48: “Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me…”
- The disciples’ ambition for self-esteem and greatness led to a discussion of who would be the greatest among them. Jesus corrects them by showing the value of humility and selflessness.
- Luke 9:46-48: “Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me…”
- The Proud Mind of Self-Esteem
- Romans 12:16: “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
- Pride and arrogance are often the result of a mind focused on self-esteem and a desire to be elevated. The Bible urges Christians to humble themselves, avoid pride, and treat others equally, regardless of their status.
- Romans 12:16: “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
- The Selfish Mind of Grab
- Luke 12:17-21: “And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?”
- The parable of the rich fool shows how a selfish, greedy mindset focuses on accumulating wealth without consideration for others or for the will of God. This selfish mindset leads to spiritual emptiness and a focus on material gain over eternal life.
- Luke 12:17-21: “And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?”
- The Doubting Mind of Unbelief
- Luke 24:38: “And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?”
- Jesus addressed the disciples’ doubt after His resurrection, asking why their hearts were troubled and filled with unbelief. A mind filled with doubt and disbelief hinders one from receiving God’s truth and promises.
- Luke 24:38: “And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?”
- The Worrying Mind of Anxiety
- Luke 12:29: “And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.”
- Worrying about the future or material needs reveals a lack of trust in God. Jesus encourages His followers not to be anxious, as God will provide for their needs, teaching them to focus on seeking God’s kingdom instead.
- Luke 12:29: “And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.”
- The Cumbered Mind of Over-Carefulness
- Luke 10:40-42: “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”
- Martha’s over-caring mindset, focused on serving and doing tasks, distracted her from the more important matter of sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to His teachings. A mind overburdened with cares can miss out on spiritual nourishment and focus on unnecessary concerns.
- Luke 10:40-42: “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”
Conclusion
The Bible warns against various sinful thoughts and attitudes that can corrupt the mind. A mind consumed with evil thoughts, selfish desires, pride, doubt, anxiety, and over-caring can lead to sinful behavior. However, through transforming our minds by focusing on God’s Word and the example of Christ, we can purify our thoughts, leading to a faithful and obedient life. As Romans 12:2 encourages, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Faith & Reason Nexus 
Leave a comment