Keep a Clear Mind

 By: Joanne Viola

 

As we approach Election Day, there seems to be increasing disagreements in opinions, concern over the outcome, and disunity. It can be disheartening to say the least.

 

A portion of Scripture has been before me for a few days:

 

“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus,
who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:
Preach the word of God.
Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.
They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers
who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation.”
(2 Timothy 4:1-5a, NLT)

I see the word “preach” and immediately think, I have not been called to “preach”. And that is true. To a point. But each of our lives does in effect, preach. No? We are called to share the Truth.

 

So the question becomes – “How are we to do this?”

 

Paul, in writing to Timothy, provided some wise instruction to Timothy, and to us:

1. Always be prepared. Whether I feel like it, or not. Whether it is convenient, or not. Know the issues, be informed, and be ready to have intelligent conversation.
2. Patiently correct. Don’t get angry when bringing correction. A correction, when not done in and with grace, can do more harm than good.
3. Speak truth. God’s. It will not always be received but we must share His Truth, not diluting it to make it more desirable.
4. Keep our minds clear. We need to stay alert – able to discern the issues and policies, rightly and justly.

 

Keeping a clear mind in every situation can be challenging, especially with the many voices heard at any given time on social media and in the news.

 

To keep a clear mind, or to use a modern idiom – “to keep one’s head” – is the ability to remain calm and sensible when in an awkward situation that might otherwise cause someone to panic or go out of control.

 

We are to become more of the solution or answer, rather than the butane in a conversation. The balm rather than the abrasive.

 

Let’s keep a clear mind in every situation.

 

Reflection:
What do you need to do to prepare yourself for discussions which can hold varied opinions?

 

Image by mcredifine from Pixabay