It is said that at one time during a 25 year period the C.I.A. spent 25 million dollars for development of mind control methods.The reason given, that Russia was thought to have already developed such a system. The world recognizes the importance of the mind, how much more so should we. Paul speaks of the Christian mindset in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. I would like to share three verses that relate to stewardship and the mind. Interestingly all three verses use the same Greek work to describe the mind, but the English version Bible translates it by three different words. The reason is the context in which the word is found. One way the mind is described in 2 Corinthians is:

The word willing denotes an eager mind. This is a mind that wants to be involved as God makes possible. The mind right with God does not have to be forced into doing something for Him, instead it is anxious. God looks for the right attitude when it comes to serving Him. A willing mind also looks to God for direction. Is your mind tuned to the things of God? Are you willing to be involved?

The word ready denotes an earnest mind. The church at Corinth had already laid up their gift to give to Jerusalem saints, now they were ready to take it to them. An earnest mind is one that desires to complete what it starts. It also desires to do all things to the glory of God, making certain that it is done with the proper attitude and administration. Paul uses the Macedonian believers as an example. They not only gave their gifts, but they first gave themselves to God (2 Cor 8:5). Our interest should be to do God's will in God's way. Are you committed to God's service?

The word forwardness is used to describe the mind in this passage. The context also reveals a zeal for the Lord's work. Because of the Corinthians example, many other believers had been encouraged. They were anxious to be involved in the work of the Lord. How anxious are you? Are you looking forward to doing something for someone? There are many ways each of us can be involved. Speak to God about what He wants you to do.

In these three verses Paul describes the eager, earnest, enthusiastic mind. A mind that is willing, ready and forward in all its endeavors. As I mentioned all these descriptive words are the translation of one Greek word - "prothumia". Pro - means before, and thumia - means impulse. When I think of this word I think of a mind which is under God's control. In (Phil 2:12,13), "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."