Hebrews 5:14, New International Version

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

I am sure you have heard about how unhealthy junk food, fast food, and even many misinterpretations of “healthy” food or meals can actually be harmful to the body. If we do not study these things carefully ourselves, but instead take bits of information here and there, we will never gain a correct understanding. One example I learned myself is the word “fat.” It sounds completely negative, especially according to the standards of the world over the years. However, I learned that there is a difference between healthy fat and unhealthy fat. Unhealthy fat brings harmful effects to our bodies, but healthy fat can help burn stubborn unhealthy fat stored in our bodies. It can support heart health, reduce bad cholesterol, help manage blood sugar, and provide vital nutrients.

One simple word can make a big difference when it is properly understood—and can also lead us in completely different directions when it is not. So if we care about our physical health, how much more should we care about our emotional, mental, and spiritual health? As the Word says, “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22, AMP)

One thing I often hear is Christians reminding one another not to take the Word out of context or interpret it through a worldly lens. A common mistake is saying, “grace over judgment,” but that does not mean continuing in sin or avoiding repentance. Or saying, “make peace with everyone,” but that does not mean compromising what we believe or becoming people-pleasers. Just as we need to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats for our bodies, we need a full and sincere understanding of the Word that shapes and molds a healthy mindset—the mind of Christ.

There is one important truth, though: we cannot depend on human logic, worldly knowledge, or life experience alone to understand the Word of God—who is Jesus—like we process physical food. The apostle Paul says, “…The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God… The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:10–11, 14, NIV)

So then, what is the next step to grow into a healthy mindset of life?

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name…, He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” (John 14:26, AMP)

It is time to open the Bible, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you through the Word of God, and allow His Word to burn away and sanctify your stubborn mind.