Finding success in your mindset. #9

When we think of the word "mindset" what's the first thing you think of?
For me it's having my thoughts in order to prepare myself for what I'm about to try to accomplish.

That being said, shouldn't we continually keep a proper mindset to stay focused on Gospel truths, Heavenly Father's will, the promptings of the Holy Ghost and so forth?

When I was about 16 my then brother-in-law gave me a small bit of wisdom that stuck with me throughout my life. And only now has it become evident that this small bit of wisdom is really a nugget of gold in progressing in the Gospel. He told me "You become what you read and who you associate with". I just took it to mean if you don't want to do drugs then don't hang around drug dealers or if you want to learn how to work on cars then read and study about cars.

All in all good solid advice. BUT, there's so much more to this small bit of wisdom.

I started thinking about it in the context of the Gospel. If you truly want to be more Christ-like then you need to surround yourself with people of the same mindset. Its very difficult to keep a Christ-like attitude when you're surrounded by people that give no thought to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

D&C 45:32
But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.

Now when it comes to what we spend our time reading; meaning books, television, or the internet, at times it's easy to see if we're being edified or lead away captive. And I'm not just talking about pornography or profanity, those are easy to see that we're being lead away from the Spirit. It's all of the little things that we tend to not watch out for. Such as, things that lead us to what the world deems as precious. Beauty, fame, fashion, money, violence, drama and so forth. What all of these things have in common is they all deal with envy and pride and most of all they lead us away from staying focused on Heavenly Father's and our eternal goals.

I just find that I need to constantly stay focused (sometimes minute by minute) on the Gospel of Jesus Christ or my thoughts are quickly lead away from the spirit and I just can't allow this.

Let me see if this makes it a little clearer.
I'm on my way to work and turn on the radio to hear the weather for the day. I usually listen to CD's of a conference talk or the scriptures. But this morning I need the weather report. Ok, now we have a quick commercial about the new convertible Tesla car. Now I'm in trouble my mind is off and running.

Humm, the new Tesla really looks great. How great would it be to pull up at work in one of those. Fire engine red with loud mufflers. I would be the talk of the office and it's only obvious that one of the young ladies at the office would like to have a ride in my new car. Not to mention most of my peers would think that I'm making great money to afford this fine automobile.

In less then a minute I've been lead away from my righteous desires. In less than one minute I'm now dealing with pride, envy. It's all about staying focused.

Alma 37:36-37
36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.