What does the bible say about the mind

on Apr 18, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: A group of friends invited me into a discussion about the human mind and how it influences our choices every day. I’ve been in church my entire life and never once heard a sermon on “the mind.” When they shared with me the vast Scripture concerning this issue, it “blew my mind.” It was only after studying what the Bible has to say about the mind that I was led to salvation in Christ, and it has transformed me. – M.P.

A: The Bible teaches in Titus 1 that our minds are defiled. Daniel 5 says the human mind is filled with pride; 1 Timothy 6:5 says the mind is corrupt. God never intended that mankind would know evil; He created us perfect human beings. But mankind rebelled against God and, in doing so, gained the knowledge of evil.

When we forsake sin, Christ redeems us and renews our mind. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5, NKJV). Romans 12:2 says we must be transformed by the renewing of the mind. When we receive Christ as Savior, we give up our minds to God, and He dominates. Is Christ dominating your thinking and your doing?

It’s tragic when people conform themselves to the world and its thought process, rather than being transformed by the renewing of the mind. When our minds are on Christ, Satan has little room to maneuver.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is folly to the world. The worldly mind is blinded and affected by the devil. Those who belong to Christ desire Him to be prominent in mind, soul, body, and spirit. The very practice of reading the Bible will have a purifying effect. We should never let anything take the place of this daily exercise. Commit it to memory, and speak Scripture in faithful prayer. There’s great power in it.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)