Your Mind

                                                                                                

Have you ever been told "You need to have an open mind!"? Oftentimes, the person telling you this is trying to get you to accept something questionable or dubious. Not many people want to be accused as having a closed mind. Instead of telling you to have an open mind, I encourage you to have a guarded mind. Having a guarded mind does not mean you have a closed mind; it simply means you are careful about what kind of thoughts and beliefs take root in your mind.

These guys remotely resemble Marines.

Think about a city with high walls and formidable gates with armed guards out front. The guards' purpose is to let the legitimate people inside the city to conduct their business and live their lives; but they also keep the riff-raff out. The guards may have to question people to determine if their intentions are good or evil. Likewise I would encourage you to challenge ideas or thoughts entreating entrance into your mind.
As a Christian, I weigh everything against the Word of God. If the idea, thought, philosophy or way of life contradicts the Bible, the Bible wins the battlefield of my mind. I will guard my mind against those things that are contrary to God's Word.
In addition to guarding your mind, do not put yourself in circumstances where your defenses can be easily overrun. As the saying goes "Garbage in, garbage out." One version of the Bible (Common English Bible, 2011) tells the reader in Proverbs 4:23 "More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it." Don't get bamboozled into doing, saying or believing things just because someone tells you to have an open mind. Tell them "My mind is open, but it's guarded." Take in the good, keep out the bad.
In addition to having an open, but guarded mind, be careful who you let speak into your life. Don't let people tell you what you can or cannot accomplish. Guard your mind against naysayers, critics and others who will try and tether you down when you're attempting to fly. Be open to constructive suggestions or good input, but to the people who are bent on cutting you down: shut them out! If you have a dream, live it! Don't let others tell you that you cannot. Do not let negativity gain a foothold in your mind. Go for the gold!