What is a sound mind?
2 Timothy 1:7 reads, " For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and sound mind" when read in the New King James. The term "sound mind" is translated slightly differently across other reliable translations as "self-discipline" "self control" or "sound judgement." So what does it mean to operate in this sound mind and judgement that God has given us?
To me, I see a vision of a firm foundation. Self discipline and self control tell me that I am not a slave to my emotions or the circumstances surrounding me. I am not swayed by the tossing winds or affected by what the world can throw at me. I am firmly planted and make my decisions based on the foundation of Truth which I am standing on. My judgement is not based on the situation, but on the savior. I choose to take every thought captive and put it up against eternity. I will not be moved. I will not be thrown. I've got this because He's got me.
A sound is a marine geographic formation, which is located along coastlines around the world. It is characterized as an inlet of seawater that diverts from the main ocean (worldatlas.com). Our mind is a sound for Christ. We are in the world but not of the world. Our thoughts and decisions have diverted from the crashing waves of the mainstream chaos of the world and found solitude in Christ. We may be made of the same waters, but our waters run still, immovable, and unaffected.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 6:12
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect Romans 12:2
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:8