Vitals: "that which is absolutely important and essential"

Last weekend we talked about having a healthy spirit. The one vital sign we discovered that we need for our spirit is prayer. Prayer is a leading key to having a healthy spirit. Today we will talk about having a healthy mind.

Why does having a healthy mind matter to your life?

• You will go where you think.
• Whatever you dwell on will prioritize your life.
• Earl Nightingale said that "you become whatever you think about all day long."
• A healthy life and an unhealthy mind cannot coexist for long.
• Whatever you think about, you magnify. Whatever you magnify consumes your vision.

Paul writes about healthy thinking in his letter to the Philippians:

• Philippians 3:13–14 NLT - 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
• Philippians 4:8 NLT - And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Paul teaches us the key to a healthy mind: focus.

1. Focus on FORGETTING the past.

• "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past."
• Who you were - identity
• What you did - failures
• What you regret
• What you couldn't do - limitations

2. Focus on FILTERING the present.

• We will stand like guards for our minds.
• Paul's list of how we should filter our thoughts:
  • Is it true? - valid, proven, accurate
  • Is it honorable? - Dignified is a synonym.
  • Is it right? - righteous and just
  • Is it pure? - unstained. Focus on keeping yourself unstained and on things that are unstained.
  • Is it lovely? - Focus on love-godly, faithful, and loyal love.
  • Is it admirable? - Focus on good reports. Hear one, dwell on it, and rejoice.
  • Is it excellent? - Focus on the best in the genre.
  • Is it worthy of praise? - Does the object of your attention deserve applause?

3. Focus on FULFILLING your destiny.

• Paul challenges us to think forward and upward!
• Focus on your futuristic identity.
• You will never become who you don't think you are.
  • I am totally righteous.
  • I am totally connected.
  • I am totally in the process of perfection.
• Focus on your futuristic reward.
  • My reward is to be with God.
  • My reward is to enjoy Him forever.
• Focus on your futuristic calling.