Clutter
 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that keeping my desk neat and tidy is a constant, never-ending process. I would clean my desk from old bits of paper, envelopes, packaging “I may need in case the item breaks and I have to send it back” and some of my kids’ art. Please don’t tell them I recycle their art…
Almost as soon as I am able to enjoy the freedom from clutter and revel in the beauty and possibility of free space, another batch of recycling and rubbish just takes its place.

I think the same applies to our minds. We have to be very intentional and critical about what we allow to linger in our minds. If we’re not the world (through advertising, news, etc.) will fill the clean spaces for us.
Paul tells the Roman church:

“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.”
(Romans 12:2 – NIV)

It’s a constant process of renewal and transformation as we journey through life with Jesus. It starts in our minds but does not stay there. It gets translated into action. Or at least, it should.

Jesus says in John 14 that if we love Him we’ll follow His commands. What are His commands? To love God by loving our neighbour. And that, of course, is a conscious act of the will; a decision made and acted upon in our minds.

A prayer from Psalm 51:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Amen.