Why is it important for a Christian to use their mind?
Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
We literally make our Lord's day when we study and glorieth not in our wisdom, but His.
1Corinthians 1:3 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
And Paul affirmed this not once, but twice!
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Why is it important for a Christian to put forth the effort to use his/her mind, to purposely think about things, to discipline the use of the mind?
A reasoned and reflective faith that is able to give answers to doubts and perceived problems will increase one's faith, hope, and love for and in the Lord. A disciplined mind will be able to react and retain information all the better. Contrary to a popular misconception, I believe Christians should be more intellectual than their secular peers to challenge a secular society regarding their beliefs and ideology. As Christians we should love God with our minds as well as our heartsfor our minds are also His Gift unto us. Let us then use our minds to glorify Him that giveth such a wonderful gift.
Warmly,
Eric Landstrom
See also: Systematic Theology, the Divine Comedy