Sound Mind and Teachable Spirit

Controlling our thoughts and meditating on Scripture are essential for living a victorious life free from bondage. A sound mind is crucial to achieving lasting success and freedom. The Bible reminds us that we are in a constant battle with thoughts that contradict God’s promises. If we dwell on how others have hurt us, those hurts can grow into massive barriers, blocking us from accessing the power to overcome challenges and command evil obstacles to leave our lives.

Mark 11:23-24 (TPT) says:
"Listen to the truth I speak to you: Whoever says to this mountain with great faith and does not doubt,

‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe whatever you ask for in prayer—be convinced that you have received it and it will be yours.”

Having a sound mind requires both a choice and the discipline to reject negative thoughts that trap us in bondage to our circumstances. When we meditate on God’s Word and focus on His promises, we open the door to victory and freedom, no matter what mountains stand in our way.

Study, dwell on, and memorize the following verses. 

1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
   "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."
   In this verse it stresses the importance of self-discipline.

2. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
   "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
   Renewing your mind through God's Word leads to a sound and discerning mind.

3. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
   "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
   A mind focused on God is both sound and peaceful.

4. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
   "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
   A disciplined mind focuses on Godly virtues.

Next, we must have a teachable spirit. Albert Einstein was to have said, "The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know." God purposefully has a plan for each of us to play a specific role in the Christian family’s business. Ephesians 4:16 (TPT), “For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.” No one person is so self-sufficient that we can stand alone. We must understand that the “Body of Christ” includes everyone who confesses Christ as Lord and Savior, and we have been assigned specific jobs, but we are required to be disciplined enough to “ study to show ourselves a workmen that does not need to be ashamed,” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV).

Study, contemplate, and memorize the following verses:

1. Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)
   "Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning."
   A teachable spirit leads to increased wisdom and understanding.

2. Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)
   "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance."
   A humble and teachable heart seeks guidance and grows in wisdom.

3. Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)
   "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
   A teachable spirit continually seeks God's guidance and truth.

4. James 1:21 (NIV)
   "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."
   Humility allows us to receive God's Word with a teachable heart.

5. Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)
   "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid."
   Loving correction is key to cultivating a teachable spirit.

6. Isaiah 50:4 (ESV)
   "The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught."
   A teachable spirit listens to God daily for wisdom and instruction.

A sound mind and a teachable spirit keeps us grounded in faith and peace, while a teachable spirit allows us to grow in wisdom and become more like Christ. Together, these qualities prepare us to walk confidently in God's purpose and to learn from Him daily.