A “RIGHT MIND.” by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 2, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 27.

A “RIGHT MIND.”

By G.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR was a man of the world, seeking only the emoluments of earth and the temporal aggrandizement of self. God loved him, had entrusted him with the dominion of the earth, and had given him extraordinary opportunity and instruction. Yet the king of Babylon was so inclined to follow his own way that the Lord let him down to a level with the beasts of the field, taking away his reason for a time. But while he was in that humiliating position, by some impulse he looked up to heaven. Then his reason was restored, and he “praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion.” This is what a person does who is in his right mind.

The son of a certain rich man had an ambition to travel, to see the world and to enjoy its imaginary pleasures. He asked his father for the portion of the estate that would eventually fall to him. His request was granted, and he took a journey into a far country. There he spent all he had in luxury and revelry, and then was reduced to absolute poverty. He was obliged to seek employment, and hired his services to a man who set him to feeding swine. But his remuneration was so small that he suffered with hunger, and this brought him to reflection upon the good things at home. So “when he came to himself,” when he came to his right mind, he resolved to return home, seek forgiveness of his father, and a place in his employ. This is illustrative of the proper thing for every one to do who has wandered away from God, and the thing which every one in his right mind will do.

A man who lived in Gadara was violently insane, and sought to kill every one who came near him. When Jesus came to that place, the insane man essayed to attack Him; but Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of him, and restored him to “his right mind.” Then the man became a disciple of Christ and an efficient home missionary.

These illustrations show what, in the estimation of the universal Judge, is a right mind. The “carnal mind” is enmity against God; it is “not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” But the right mind is in harmony with God’s law. When Paul had found Christ, he could say, “So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God.” The prophet Isaiah puts this song in the mouths of the redeemed: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.” The new covenant is a promise of God to put His law in the minds and hearts of His people. Heb. 8:10; 10:16.