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Habits that will increase your mind

Are you so busy that you have no time to think? And when you do, you don't have the energy? When was the last time you read a good book - one that challenged your thinking and stretched your intellect?

If your traits undermine your intellectual growth and spiritual development, develop a set of habits that can win over your mind to God's will.

Admit the problem. If you see that the intellectual area of your life is lacking in maturity you need to acknowledge it - to yourself and Christian friends. Before a problem can be solved, or a new habit developed, it must be faced head-on.

Choose to be different. At some point in your life you will have to make a fundamental decision that you will be different no matter what the cost. As a Christian, you cannot allow yourself to be squeezed into the mold of the world. Realize how serious the war of ideas really is on your mind and take every thought captive to Christ.

Change your routine. Realize that when your energy is at a low point you more easily fall into a passive mode. Negative external messages and pressures influence you most at those times. Combat these times with physical exercise (turn off the TV), or intellectually challenging books. Stop being a couch potato and turn to habits that create energy to read, reflect, and be more proactive.

Develop patience and endurance. Make the effort and endure the pain to stretch your mind. The mind is like a muscle; it needs to be exercised. Teach yourself to be quiet, alone, and focused. Carve out time in your schedule for this important activity.

Develop a good vocabulary. Keep a dictionary handy and get into the habit of looking up words you don't understand. The development of a good vocabulary is an important tool in the cultivation of the Christian mind.

Set some intellectual goals. Create study goals on a yearly basis. Find a partner to read and discuss books with on a regular basis.

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