The Battle for the Mind

1 Peter 1:13–16

In simple terms, being holy means dedicating yourself to God’s purpose and living a life that reflects this. Holiness goes beyond just following rules, it requires a complete commitment to God. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, Christianity doesn’t discourage learning or rational thinking, but actually encourages us to think deeply.

1. Christianity requires you to use your mind

Christianity isn’t just about following rules, participating in rituals, or feeling certain emotions. It involves using your mind to understand and practice your faith. This means that thinking rationally is important for becoming a Christian and growing in your faith.

2. Faith is really an exercise in thinking as well

Having faith doesn’t mean you stop thinking or questioning. Like when you’re deciding on a medical treatment, you gather and evaluate information. Jesus encourages us to use our minds when believing in Him. We’re to base our beliefs not only on our feelings but also on our understanding of His teachings. This means we need to be ready to view the world through the lens of the Bible.

3. Christianity is the only thing in the world that really does encourage thinking and reason

Christianity stands out because it values thinking and reason. Unlike some philosophies, Christianity believes in a rational God and that understanding biblical truth brings real freedom. The spread of Christianity throughout history has opened minds and established schools, showing the importance of studying the Bible and engaging intellectually in our faith.