First Things First Sample

Clear Heart, Clear Mind

Our minds are constantly busy; we’re always thinking of what’s going on around us, we’re thinking about family and friends, we’re bombarded with stress from school, work, and other activities. Our minds don’t naturally steer toward the God’s truth, so it’s easy to get bogged down with mental clutter and lies from the devil. That’s why it’s important that we spend time in God’s word so that we fill our hearts with His truth and promises. The scripture in Proverbs that we read today gives us clear instructions to “guard our hearts”. We do this by focusing our thoughts on the good things in life. The scripture in Philippians tells us what good things to focus on: things that are true, noble, right, pure, admirable, and praiseworthy. When we put God’s good things in our hearts and focus our minds on these good things, we keep our hearts safe from the lies of the devil. 

Because this thought process is not our natural behavior, we have to work to train our minds to think about the things of God. Everyday, we have to intentionally focus on the truth because our minds will wander to the lies. We cannot have a positive life with a negative mind. To clear your heart and your mind, focus on God’s truth and think about the things that are true, right, admirable, and praiseworthy. 

Action Step: What are some lies that you have been believing in your life? What are the truths that God says about you? Write down the truths, meditate on them, and share them with a parent, trusted friend, or mentor.