Word Association

Okay, here’s one I’m sure you remember: I’m going to throw out a random word, and then you just say the first thing that comes to mind. You don’t have to think at all about it. Actually, don’t think, just respond with whatever pops in your head first.

First word; GREEN

Alright, you probably responded with another color or something that’s easily associated with the color green like “grass” or “Hornet”. Funny thing about the word association game is it’s definitely a game with a purpose. It’s to teach you where your mind leans. Many people lean contrary, and they tend to spit back opposites: If I say white, they say black. Some people lean supportive; if I say music, they say dance. At the end of the game, you have two real things to consider. Which way do I lean? And Which way do I want to lean?

If we’re true to our calling as Christians, led by The Holy Spirit, this question is already answered for us.

Here’s The Word:

Romans 8:5-6 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Notice what King David says to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

It’s clearly evident throughout Scripture that how our mind works is really important to God. It’s not some mysterious thing that operates like the Word Association game and whatever pops up, pops up. Our mind is something that we’re responsible for. Even if you try to disregard it and blame your circumstances for the state of your mind, you won’t be absolved of your responsibility, you’ll be dealt with accordingly for forfeiting the proper care and handling of your uniquely special gift.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Also notice the direct link between your mind and your faith. This makes unquestionable sense as we recognize our former state: Dead in our trespasses and sins. However, once we were made alive, a lot more happened than our names being written in The Lambs Book of Life, we were also afforded a new mind. I say afforded because it’s not as automatic as the spiritual aspects of “getting saved.” If that were the case, it wouldn’t matter how we lived or continued to live after conversion, but it does.

Our lives in Christ is a pursuit of perfection. A strength building, purifying faith journey against the flow of everything we used to easily associate ourselves. The Bible intently encourages us on how to be seriously engaged, beginning with renewing our minds (Romans 12:2). We don’t think much about the doctrine of the world. Why? Because it comes easy. There’s no book that needs to be read to go after selfish desires. Yet more than a few books have been written and read for those who want to do that in bigger and better ways.

For us, the process of renewing our minds is simple. Word association. We study God’s Word because it speaks to our minds, and when in humble submission, we allow these words of life to re-associate our old dead minds to a new, rich life, it grows and strengthens our faith. Remember faith comes by hearing, and hearing (comes by) the word of God – if we allow it, by receiving it. Aside of 2 Timothy 2:15, there are too many verses that associate our mind and actions with our profession. Go after it. Like David told Solomon “Seek him.” Associate yourself with His Word.

Back to the initial idea: The word association game is a good test to see where your mind is at any given time. If you see your responses leaning contrary to Philippians 4:8, find some study time. Our word association should look different from the worlds, shouldn’t it?


In Him,
Cros