Losing one’s mind!
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5 (ESV)
As we get older our memory plays tricks on us. How many times have we gone to the next room and forgotten why we were there. We joke about ‘losing the plot’. Names and words frequently escape us, only to return in the wee small hours of the morning. I am assured that this is all due to age and its inevitability. However, I am painfully aware of the ever-increasing scourge of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Having experienced the impact of these illnesses on my father some years ago, my heart goes out to the sufferers and their families.
During the time of my beloved father’s dementia, I was comforted by the fact that he had been made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). My comfort was in Christ that He, Almighty God, would hold my father in His arms during all the confusion and deterioration; he was loved and safe.
How often have we spoken to someone and had the distinct impression that their mind was somewhere else? Sometimes we even ask, ‘Are you with me?’ Our minds are important to God, and more than just being ‘with Him’ God desires that we ‘put off the old self’ and ‘…put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.’ (Colossians 3:9-10).
As Christians we are urged to have the mind of Christ – to lose our own selfish and sinful thoughts, to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2). In Philippians 4:8 we are instructed on what our thoughts should be: ‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.’
Let us allow the mind of Christ to rule us, and we shall see His glory. Now where was I?
Prayer
Father, we pray for those who suffer from dementia in all its forms; we pray for those impacted by this condition. Help us by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit to surrender our minds to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Irene Wilson
About the writer:
Irene Wilson is a deaconess in the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International, and also serves on the Pastoral Council.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford, Herts.
WD24 7HF
Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email: watford@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church