In The Mind of Man, Michael E.B. Maher examines the mind as a core component of the soul, distinct from the spirit and body. He explains that while the spirit is born again at salvation, the mind remains unchanged and is initially carnal—hostile to God and aligned with worldly thinking. This carnal mindset leads to sinful behaviour and prevents believers from discerning God’s perfect will.

Maher emphasizes that believers must actively renew their minds through meditation on Scripture, prayer, and obedience to revealed truth. Spiritual understanding comes progressively as God opens the mind to His Word, and this renewal transforms behaviour from carnal to spiritual, enabling believers to walk in righteousness and experience life and peace. The renewed mind also allows believers to know and fulfil the specific good works God has prepared for them, resulting in eternal rewards at the judgment seat of Christ.

The book contrasts the carnal mind (focused on flesh, producing death) with the spiritual mind (focused on the Spirit, producing life). Maher stresses that while full mental renewal is completed only in eternity, believers are responsible for daily renewing their minds through discipline, meditation, and acting on God’s Word.

 

Book 4 of 5: Man, the Image of God