Avoid the Curse of a Reprobate Mind

(From Chapter 4 of Refined by Fire: A Self-Help Memoir)

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Just as some people are vessels of love and positivity, there are others who are vessels for evil, destruction, and sorrow of others. Some willfully, even if they believe in their hearts that their intentions are noble, spread misery to the people within their sphere of influence. King Saul, for instance, was the first King of Israel and ruled when David was but a young shepherd boy. During Saul’s reign, David slayed Goliath, rose through the ranks of the Israeli Army, and went on to be a loyal warrior in the kingdom over which Saul ruled. For David, he was doing what he believed he was called to do. He regularly acknowledged that he was a vessel for the God of Abraham in the physical realm, and- because he knew that God was with him- he was at peace in some chaotic situations.

Saul recognized how much his people loved David. But instead of appreciating his loyal subject and the joy that he brought to the kingdom, he allowed jealousy into his heart. For example, hoping that David would be killed in battle, in lieu of a dowry, Saul offered David the hand of his daughter in marriage if he brought back the foreskins of one hundred Philistines. David doubled the request and brought back the foreskins of two hundred dead Philistine soldiers, securing his position as the son-in-law of the King. 

Saul’s desperate desire to see David’s demise escalated to the point of Saul attempting to kill David himself. When that assassination attempt failed, David fled the kingdom. By this time, Saul’s impure emotions and lust for power caused God to turn from him, thus handing Saul- the anointed king- over to a reprobate mind. After this happened, Saul took on a self-destructive mindset. While cursed with this reprobate mind, Saul frequently set himself up for failure by consistently taking actions that were not in his soul’s best interest while not having the wisdom to recognize he was creating his own demise. Saul would ultimately fall on his own sword (commit suicide) on the same battlefield on which three of his sons were killed by Philistines.

“Even if you’re currently at a point where you are not ready to actively pursue a rapport with a higher power, allowing just logic and your inner voice to prevail is paramount to personal growth.”

Conscious effort, a sincere desire for personal growth, and a willingness to stand against anything that betrays your conscience is the start to becoming a vessel for God. Even if you’re currently at a point where you are not ready to actively pursue a rapport with a higher power, allowing just logic and your inner voice to prevail is paramount to personal growth. There is much trial and error involved on the path to peace, but the payoff is worth the work required. David was not perfect, but his consistent pursuit of a righteous path led to an everlasting covenant with the Most High. Because all of us have unique journeys and purposes, I cannot tell you where your path will lead. I can, however, assure you that consistently doing right by everyone will bring you peace and genuine happiness that no amount of money of influence can purchase. Add in some prayers, mediation, and good deeds to cultivate a better world, and you have the recipe for winning in life.

A reprobate mind will have you drawn to your own destruction. To avoid heading down the spiritual path that Saul and many others have taken, routinely check yourself, your thoughts, and your actions. No matter where you started or what you’ve gone through, you too can be a conqueror and a vessel for God. When you’re a vessel for the Most High, your needs will be in harmony with your wants, and anything is possible.