Guarding the Mind: Faith in a Distracted World

Guarding the mind in a distracted world requires a deliberate choice to place the things of eternity above the common, shifting interests of this lifeCSA 21.8+1. In an age of constant excitement, we must remember that true mental and physical health are found not in worldly diversions, but in a living connection with Christ1T 564.1+1. Satan uses modern inventions and an abundance of amusements to occupy the attention so that there is no time to consider the welfare of the soulAH 521.1+1. We are called to fence the soul with the injunctions of God’s Word and to be strictly temperate in all our habits to preserve the clarity of mind necessary to appreciate the value of redemption 1 Peter 1:131T 564.1+1. By engaging in useful labor and manual occupation rather than seeking selfish pleasure, we can strengthen both our intellectual and moral powersCT 354.1+1. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, for a moment of thoughtlessness or a single misstep can turn the whole current of our lives in the wrong direction Hebrews 12:2CM 52.2+1.

...us principles of old or young and which will not improve the health of the body to the detriment of spiritual growth. The great object of this institution should be to improve the health of the body, that the afflicted may more highly appreciate eternal things. If this object is not continually set before the mind and efforts are not made to this end, it wil...— 1T 564.1 (1885)

Fence the Soul—There will be women who will become tempters, and who will do their best to attract and win the attention of men to themselves. First, they will seek to win their sympathy, next their affection, and then to induce them to break God's holy law. Those who have dishonored their minds and affections by placing them where God's Word forbids, will not scruple to dishonor God by various species of idolatry. God will leave them to their vile affections. It is necessary to guard the thoughts; to fence the soul about with the injunctions of God's Word; and to be very careful in every t...— Ev 681.2 (1946)

The Natural Heart Seeks Pleasure—The natural mind leans toward pleasure and self-gratification. It is Satan's policy to manufacture an abundance of this. He seeks to fill the minds of men with a desire for worldly amusement, that they may have no time to ask themselves the question, How is it with my soul? The love of ple...— AH 521.1 (1952)

...n, to bring all the souls that he can under his own jurisdiction. And to this end he brings forward enterprises and inventions that will so occupy men’s attention that they will have no time to think of heavenly things— 25LtMs, Ms 27, 1910, par. 2

...red that the better way is for them to get physical exercise through manual training and by letting useful employment take the place of selfish pleasure. The desire for amusement, if indulged, soon develops a dislike for useful, healthful exercise of b...— CT 354.1 (1913)