The Mind of a Believer

Some people have this idea that to be a Christian, you have to check your brain at the door. Recently an atheistic businessman published a LinkedIn article titled “Religious People have lesser IQ than non-believers!” In an attempt to back up his claim, the author included numerous graphs such as the one pictured here. He also added the caption “Charts speak for themselves.” 

We will now let God’s word speak for itself...

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” - Psalm 14:1 and 53:1

“...although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools” - Romans 1:21-22

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” - Romans 8:6-7

"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." - 1 Corinthians 2:14

Jesus said in Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” In his book and seminar “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist”, apologist Frank Turek states, “Christians don’t get brownie points for being stupid.”

Despite the atheist’s claim Pentecostals have the lowest IQ, Spirit-filled Christians who regularly pray in tongues can receive downloads from heaven that cannot be accessed through natural means...

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” - 1 John 2:20

“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” - 1 John 2:27

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” - Jude 20

I agree the atheist’s charts do speak for themselves. They speak of individuals who put them together “whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4). All they have to do is repent and then they can have the mind of Christ.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." - Isaiah 1:18

Free to Think

People who refuse to believe in God are becoming more “evangelistic” in spreading their message of unbelief. Last weekend in front of a Florida courthouse, a group of atheists unveiled a monument next to a granite slab listing the Ten Commandments. American Atheists President David Silverman stated in a press release that his New Jersey-based organization plans to erect 50 more monuments at public sites across the country.

Many atheists pride themselves as being “freethinkers.” They believe that by not adhering to Scripture, they are free to think for themselves. On the other hand, Sid Roth released a book called “They Thought for Themselves”, which features testimonies of “ten amazing Jews” who found out the truth about Jesus as their Messiah.

I heard one motivational speaker claim the human brain didn’t come with an owner’s manual. The truth is the Bible gives many instructions on how to use our minds. Here are a few of them…

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” - Matthew 22:37

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” - Romans 12:2

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”  - Romans 12:3

“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” - 2 Corinthians 10:5

“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.” - Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Christians are often criticized for being too narrow-minded. It’s true that God’s people need to “think outside the box” more. Well-meaning religious leaders have stifled many creative ideas because it didn’t fit their paradigm for ministry. Congregation members may not have chapter and verse to back up every divinely inspired plan. Noah could have been accused of not having Scripture to verify the Lord’s instructions to build an ark to save his family and all those animals.

When it comes to a person’s eternal destiny, one shouldbe narrow-minded if he doesn’t want to end up in the wrong place. Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke wrote on his Facebook page, “Someone said I was 'too dogmatic.' But how many people would board an aircraft if the pilot kept 'an open mind' about the destination? Passengers want A VERY dogmatic pilot. Hell or heaven - what is your destination? Join Jesus and your arrival in heaven is guaranteed.”

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” - Matthew 7:13