A leader could be successful only when the people he works for are cooperative. If not, the leader could end up as a failure. During the time of Nehemiah, People in Jerusalem had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6)
Idle mind: There is a common proverb: Idle mind is the devil’s workshop. When a person is not doing any constructive, positive or useful work, the mind becomes an ideal place for Satan to set up his workshop. There he starts brooding wicked, criminal, evil, mischievous, negative, tempting, and destructive thoughts. An idle mind could lead to laziness, and idle hands that are used for wicked things. (Proverbs 16:27) Eastern meditations, like yoga, make the mind empty, which is also an idle mind.
Renewed mind: Instead, Paul writes to have a renewed mind, which is filled with the truths of the Scripture. (Romans 12:2) The mind should be saturated with Scripture so that all ideas, opinions, thoughts and arguments should be deleted.
Distractive mind: In modern times, the mind may not be idle, but busy with unavoidable things like social media. That is filling time with trivia or futile scrolling through social media platforms without purpose. Such distractive activities are disruptive, dangerous, delusional, depressing, and destructive.
Gift of a sound mind: Disciples have a great gift, the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. Those who are controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit have a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7) First, it is a discerning mind to know what is right, appropriate, and righteous in the sight of God. Second, it is a mature mind to pursue the priorities of the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Third, it is a surrendered mind that seeks God’s will as a supreme priority. Four, it is a Godly content mind that is hence a great gain and a blessing. Five, it is a spiritual mind, in contrast to a carnal, worldly mind. Six, it is also a consecrated mind for the Lord, for eternity. Seven, it is a Shalom that rests in the peace of God.
Do I have a renewed and transformed mind?