What Kind Of Mind Do We Have?

The reason a mule balks at pulling a load, is not because he doesn't hear the command to "giddy up," but simply because he would rather not hear it! His strength and ability to pull the load is more that sufficient, but his hearing the command to pull is hindered simply because he would rather graze in the green grass of the pasture or bask in the noonday sun.

Although several levels above that of a mule, the human mind sometimes manifests the same characteristics as that of a mule. It seeks to evade a clear command of God because it does not coincide with its own individual prejudices and desires.

For example, a child is reluctant to hear his mother's call, because he knows his response to it would result in come unpleasant task that would encroach upon his playtime. He does not see his dirty hands, because he would rather eat. He does not see his dirty feet, because he would rather go to bed than take the time to wash them.

Such evasive thinking, is found in the minds of mules and adolescents, but should never be found in the thinking of mature, responsible adults. And yet, while the eternal destiny of souls are at stake, there are Christians who manifest indifference and intolerance toward the true teachings of God. They do so because such teachings are contrary to their personal desires or disrupt their convenient worldly way of life.

Jesus spoke of such folks by quoting from God's inspired prophet, Isaiah:

"Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their heart and turn, So that I should heal them" (Matthew 13:14-15; cf. Isaiah 6:9-10).

What a pity it is for people who should know God's truth (John 17:17), but reject it because it does not suit their evil lifestyle or taste. As an example, God has commanded men to be baptized (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 10:44-48). How sad it is for such a command to be rejected simply because it violates the traditions of family or the doctrine of religious groups who are seeking after the god of "convenience" rather than the God of "obedience" (contrast Acts 24:25 KJV with Acts 5:29 KJV).

Dear reader, let us ask ourselves this question: "What kind of mind do we have? That of a mule or of Christ? (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 5:8-9).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets