Brainwash Me Oh Lord!

This article is not one for the faint of heart. Nor is this article for the lukewarm Christian. In addition it is not for the person who does not understand wanting to be fully dedicated to the work of the Lord. For those who are left, I believe that this article will make complete sense. As I think over my walk with the Lord. Looking at where I have come from, where I am now, and where I hope to be one day. I have discovered my want for God to brainwash me!

This is going to be a strange dive into the thought process of a Christian who truly wants more. I understand that the connotation of the word brainwash is well…not a good one. The term brainwashed normally references cults, extremist groups, or government conspiracies. Wikipedia even defines it as to “make (someone) adopt radically different beliefs by using systematic and often forcible pressure”.

That is far different than the meaning I am intending to use. The beliefs I want God to impart on me are in no way different than those I already I have. I also do not expect the use of force to be required in any way.

By using the term brainwash I am simply saying I want the Lord to wash my mind. To clean out the things implanted by this world. Removing the immoral and sinful thoughts that still reside in the deep abyss of my mind. I truly want my mind not to be set on the things of this world, but on the things of Heaven. Just as described in Collisions 3:2.

2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Therefore, I long for my focus to be set on the Lord above all other things. Not lost in things that bring no true value. The only way I see to accomplish this is to ask God to wash away all the dirt and grime from my mind. That being sinful thoughts and desires. Leaving me with only those things that come from God. Being love, grace, humility, and all other Christian characteristics described throughout the Bibles pages.

Sinful desires brought from living a life in the world are not all I ask God wash away and replace. Think of the information you have stored in your mind that doesn’t offer any true value. No, I don’t mean what you learned in your high school math class that you never use. Chances are you already forgot that anyway.

I mean all the gossip about people you know. Or even the latest celebrity gossip. Specifications on cars you will never own. Words to a song you listened to years ago that you some how still remember. Lines to a movie that you wouldn’t even watch on TV now. All of these take up space that could be used to store information that is actually useful.

For instance, think of all the Bible verses that you could have stored up. They could help you in times of need. Or help someone you encounter throughout your day that is struggling. You would be able to offer just the right scripture to help them right where they are. No trying to rember a certain verse or look it up on your phone. You could just say it instantly. Think of the impact that would have on someone else.

That is the person I hope to one day be. A walking Bible, able to recite a verse at any moment. One of my favorite preachers to listen to, Johnny James, was often referred to as such. You would bring far more value to the world if you could recite Bible verses like you recite lines from your favorite movie.  

I understand that many who would read this article would think things like “This guy is crazy!”. Or “He is really obsessed!”. Some may even think a person who wanted to be that far removed from the culture of the world is an extremist.

Those terms would be absolutely correct if used in the proper context. I am crazy about serving the Lord. Totally obsessed with the word of God. And extremely set on not living as those lost in the world do. So I guess you could call me a crazy, obsessed, extremist Christian. I would have to say thank you because that is just who I want to be and that is why I pray the prayer

“Brainwash Me Oh Lord!”

Now before you think I have lost it, which I did lose my life when I came to Christ. For it is no longer my life, but His. I want to share a few scriptures that I believe justify much of my thinking. First of all, I assume that you are a problem thinking I am a little weird or even peculiar. Well, that understandable for the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9 that those who believe in Christ are a peculiar people.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;

Also, you must understand that the Bible takes a strong stance against Christians living as the world does. Many verses actually say that we are no longer of the world. Just as Jesus is not of the world.

John 17:14-16

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

John 15:19

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Those verses are not alone in speaking of the world in relation to followers of Christ. 1 John 2:15 tells us not to love the world or the things of the world. James 1:27 instructs readers to not be stained by the world. Romans 12:2 says we should not be conformed to the world but instead transformed by the renewing of your mind.

I really like how James 1:27 refers to being stained by the world. Because we know that it is not our bodies that would be stained by the world. Nor would it stand to reason that the world would stain your heart or soul. However, it is easy to see how one’s mind could be easily stained.

Look at all that you are seeing on TV and every advertisement that passes in front of your eyes. Your mind must process all that you see. What your mind sees does not just pass away on its own. Much like a stain, you must wash it out.

In conclusion, I pray my point has been abundantly clear throughout this article. It has not been written to talk about how spiritual I am. In fact, I feel as though I still far to go, that is why I express my need for God to wash my mind.

The purpose of writing this is to share this concept that has been running circles through my mind. To share it with others and speak on the fact that our minds should be full of Godly things. Not the things of the world.

Hopfully, you see the importance of having a clean mind. The need to remove yourself from the world when you follow Christ. This is not all to condemn those who see things differently than I do. This is my view and if you see it different that is fine.

However, if you are like me and you want a clean mind. Free from the influence of the world pray the prayer that I pray. Brainwash Me Oh Lord! Ask God to wash your mind. Pray that all that brings no value will be removed. Leaving only the glorious things of Christ. This is the best life we can live and will be very similar to the life we experience in Heaven.