Chuck Northrop

The way a Christian thinks is important. Paul in Philippians 4:8 reveals to the Christian the kind of things he should think about. He said, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Just as important is how a Christians thinks about other things. That is whether he is narrow or broad minded, open or closed minded, conservative or liberal minded.

As one considers the way a Christian thinks toward other things, he/she realizes that often it depends upon the subject at hand. A Christian ought to be narrow minded toward the religious opinions of men and broad minded toward the truth of God found in His word. Further a Christian ought to be open minded toward the doctrine of Christ and closed minded toward the doctrines of men. Subsequently a Christian ought to be conservative when it comes to a “Thus saith the Lord” and liberal minded when it comes to giving of ourselves and of our means. Certainly, we are not trying to be “wishy washy” in our approach to this subject. We are just trying to help others understand how a Christian ought to think.

Oftentimes when we approach someone about Christ and their soul’s salvation, their response is “I have my own religion!” What is this really saying? And what are they trying to communicate? In so many cases, they are saying they are not interested in what we have to offer for they are satisfied in their present state and are not open to any further considerations. It is truly sad to see someone lost in error and not open minded enough to a study of the truth. No matter how sad it may be, it is their choice. A choice only they can make.

From another perspective, consider the Christian. A Christian is one who “have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” (Romans 6:17). He or she was open to the truth, received the truth, and accept the truth. Thankfully, some continue to receive and accepted the word which was planted in the soil of his or her heart. Sadly, however, others are no longer open to the truth. They “were once enlightened. . .and have tasted the good word of God” (Hebrews 6:4-5). They have closed their minds to God’s word, and because they have, “it is impossible. . .to renew them again unto repentance” (Hebrews 6:4,6). Like Israel of old, they have “an evil heart of unbelief” because they have been “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12-13). The exhortation of Hebrews is to help us guard ourselves against this very thing. We must beware and take heed against this ever present danger!

Brethren, the way we think must be a prime and constant consideration. We must always keep it in check lest we fall into condemnation. We need to be aware that closed mindedness toward the Word of God is an ever pressing danger. Open mindedness, however, does not mean that we are to be “children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14). We need to be open minded like the Bereans who “were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). When they heard teaching, they examined it, and if it was the word in truth, they accepted it. Therefore, let us consider our own state of mind which can be best examined by our reaction to the truth when it is taught. How do you react when the truth is taught?