Proverbs 23:7 KJV For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: . . .

Philippians 4:8 KJV 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.

I. INTRODUCTION—THE MIND IS A VALUABLE THING. . .

-The Bible describes our minds by using the figure of a ship looking for a harbor. Though you may be unable to
keep disease-ridden ships from sailing back and forth on the ocean, you can refuse them docking privileges in
the harbor of your mind.
• Job talks about those who harbor resentment in their hearts.
• The Psalmist talks about those who harbor malice in their minds.
• James talks about those who allow bitter envy and selfish ambition to harbor within them.
Jeremiah 4:14 4 How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?.
Deuteronomy 15:9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart,…
Matthew 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts
thereof.
-Your mind is the most valuable thing that you have in your possession. The way you spend your mind is of
utmost importance.
-You will become what you think!!!
A. General Quotes
Marcus Aurelius—The most important things in life are the thoughts you choose to think.
Gary Collins—It doubtless is true that people become what they think about.
-I also have to tell you a very important fact. Your mind is under siege every single second of the day. There is
a great plan to control your thinking. In the course of time, you will become on the outside what you believe
on the inside.
-The devil loves to take advantage of a mind that is ignorant or one that is pushed around by wayward
emotions.
J. Oswald Sanders—The mind of man is the battleground on which every moral and spiritual battle is fought.
Vance Havner—Our defeat or victory begins with what we think, and if we guard our thoughts we shall not
have much trouble anywhere else along the line.
B. Biblical
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the
knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

He had observed the precision that he adjusted the plow to dig into the earth.

• He had most of all noticed the focus of the farmer as he plowed the field… he never looked back once he
started his row… the force of his focus was forward.

-He took that plough and held it as it cut deep into the soil. When he got to the hard ground where the rocks
and roots were contentious, he never lost his focus, he just kept plowing. When he got to the place that the
weeds had taken over the fallow ground, he just kept plowing.

-I can only wonder how many blisters burst on that plow handle. I can only imagine how many drops of sweat
fell on the plow. Could it be that there were some tears that fell to the plow handle? The Lord never went into
any details on that matter, all He said was that the man never looked back!

-As a man thinketh. . . so is he! There is power that comes from focus. If you can just think, if you can give your
mind to God in such a way that He can use it, it will be amazing what He will do with you!

-You will have to endure some calamities in life and some deep disappointments along the way but they have
the power to elevate your life, if you can make sure your thinking is right!

-The farmer had an aim. His ultimate aim was a great harvest but in the interim he had to focus on plowing
straight rows.

1. Benjamin Franklin—Thirteen Virtues

-Benjamin Franklin identified thirteen virtues whose regular practice would make him a better and more
successful person. They included temperance (self-control), silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry,
sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility.