The average human brain is a marvel of creation, processing roughly 10,000 thoughts every single day. Yet, for many Christians, the mind feels less like a well-ordered sanctuary and more like a chaotic battlefield. We struggle with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the persistent pull of worldly philosophies. In his transformative book, What’s on Your Mind?: Discover the Power of Biblical Thinking, Dr. John Goetsch argues that our living is always a product of our thinking. Our thoughts are the blueprints for our actions; if we want to change our lives, we must first change our minds.
This comprehensive summary and review explores Goetsch’s three-part framework for mastering the mind, examining all 12 chapters and the vital principles found in the appendix.
Part I: Brainwashed Christianity – The Realization of a Created Mind
The term “brainwashed” often carries a negative, cultish connotation. However, Goetsch flips this script, suggesting that the Christian mind needs to be washed—specifically, washed by the water of the Word (Ephesians 5:26). This first section focuses on the foundational reality of how our minds were designed and how they are transformed by God.
Chapter 1: The Realization of a Created Mind
Goetsch begins by establishing that the mind is not an accident of evolution but a deliberate masterpiece of the Creator. To understand how to use our minds, we must recognize their origin. The “Created Mind” is designed for communion with God. It has the capacity for reason, creativity, and moral judgment. When we realize our minds were built by God and for His glory, we stop viewing our mental life as a private playground and start seeing it as a sacred trust.
Chapter 2: The Realization of a Changed Mind
Conversion is more than a change of destination; it is a change of mind (metanoia). The “Changed Mind” refers to the shift that occurs when a person accepts Christ. The old patterns of thinking—centered on self and sin—are legally broken. Goetsch emphasizes that while the position of our mind changes at salvation, the practice of our thinking requires daily attention. We are given a new capacity to understand spiritual truths that were once “foolishness” to us.
Chapter 3: The Realization of a Conscientious Mind
A conscientious mind is one that is awake and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Goetsch discusses the role of the conscience as the “umpire” of the mind. For the believer, a conscientious mind is one that has been sensitized by Scripture. It doesn’t just know what is “legal”; it knows what is “holy.” This chapter challenges readers to maintain a “void of offense” conscience, ensuring that the bridge between our thoughts and God’s Spirit remains unblocked by unconfessed sin.
Chapter 4: The Realization of a Captured Mind
Finally, Goetsch introduces the concept of “capturing” thoughts. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:5—“bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”—he explains that we are not victims of our thoughts. A “Captured Mind” is one where the believer actively patrols the corridors of their intellect, arresting any thought that does not align with the Truth. It is a realization of spiritual authority.
Part II: Who Left the Brain-Door Open? – Guarding the Gates
If Part I is about the nature of the mind, Part II is about the defense of the mind. Goetsch uses the “brain-door” metaphor to describe the senses and the entry points for information. He identifies four dangerous states that allow the enemy to infiltrate our thinking.
Chapter 5: The Complacent Mind
Complacency is the silent killer of spiritual growth. A “Complacent Mind” assumes it is safe simply because it isn’t actively committing “big” sins. Goetsch warns that when we stop being proactive about our mental diet, we subconsciously begin to drift. We leave the door ajar, assuming no intruders will notice. This chapter is a call to spiritual vigilance.
Chapter 6: The Careless Mind
Where complacency is a lack of concern, carelessness is a lack of discipline. The “Careless Mind” is one that consumes media, conversations, and entertainment without a filter. Goetsch argues that many Christians wonder why they struggle with peace when they have allowed their minds to be filled with the “noise” of the world. Carelessness is the failure to realize that every input has an output.
Chapter 7: The Contaminated Mind
Once the door is left open through complacency or carelessness, the mind becomes “Contaminated.” This chapter deals with the “spiritual pollution” that enters through the eye-gate and ear-gate. Goetsch is direct about the impact of worldly philosophies, pornography, and bitterness. Contamination doesn’t happen overnight; it is the result of a thousand small “open doors” that eventually fill the mind with toxic waste.
Chapter 8: The Closed Mind
Ironically, a mind that is open to the world often becomes “Closed” to God. A closed mind is one that has become hardened through disobedience or pride. It resists the reproof of the Word and the prompting of the Spirit. Goetsch explains that the goal of the enemy is to seal the door shut so that the light of the Gospel and the refreshing water of the Word can no longer penetrate.
Part III: Mind Control – The Disciplined Pursuit of Christlikeness
In the final section, Goetsch moves from defense to offense. “Mind Control” in this context is not about external manipulation, but about the believer exercising the fruit of “self-control” (Galatians 5:23) under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 9: Guided by a Censored Mind
A “Censored Mind” is one that has established a strict filtering system based on Philippians 4:8. Goetsch advocates for a “spiritual border patrol.” We must learn to say “no” to thoughts that are not true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report. This is the active “censoring” of the junk that tries to enter our mental workspace.
Chapter 10: Guided by a Clean Mind
A “Clean Mind” is the result of constant washing. Goetsch emphasizes the necessity of the “daily bath” in the Word of God. This chapter focuses on the refreshing and renewing power of Scripture. Just as we wash our bodies daily, we must wash our minds to remove the “grime” of the world. A clean mind is a clear mind, capable of hearing God’s voice with precision.
Chapter 11: Guided by a Conformed Mind
Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Goetsch explains that a “Conformed Mind” in the positive sense is one that has been molded into the shape of the Word. We are like clay; either the world will press us into its mold, or we will allow the Holy Spirit to conform us to the pattern of Scripture.
Chapter 12: Guided by a Christ-like Mind
The ultimate goal of the book is for the believer to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). A “Christ-like Mind” is characterized by humility, obedience, and a focus on the Father’s will. Goetsch concludes the main text by showing that when Christ’s mind becomes our mind, our perspective on suffering, service, and success is radically inverted.
The Appendix: Practical Tools for Mental Mastery
Goetsch does not leave the reader with mere theory. The appendix provides two practical “blueprints” for implementing biblical thinking.
The Putting Off-Putting On Principle
Based on Ephesians 4:22-24, this principle is the cornerstone of biblical change. Goetsch explains that it is not enough to simply “stop” a bad thought (putting off); you must replace it with a right thought (putting on).
- Put Off: The old man, the lying, the bitterness.
- Put On: The new man, the truth, the kindness. If you leave a void, the old habit will return. You must fill the “mental space” with a specific biblical replacement.
How to Memorize Scripture
Goetsch views Scripture memory as the “ammunition” for the battle of the mind. He provides a simple, actionable method for hiding God’s Word in the heart:
- Select: Choose verses that address your specific struggles.
- Say: Read the verse aloud multiple times to engage the ear-gate.
- See: Write the verse down and place it where you will see it frequently.
- Savor: Meditate on the meaning of each word, not just the rote sequence.
The Author’s Central Message: What is John Goetsch Trying to Convey?
At its heart, What’s on Your Mind? is a call to intentionality. Dr. John Goetsch’s message is that spiritual defeat is rarely a result of a lack of power, but rather a lack of mental discipline. We have been given the “Mind of Christ,” but we must choose to use it.
The author wants to convey that:
- Thinking is a choice: We are not passive observers of our thoughts; we are the managers of them.
- The Mind is the Frontline: Every sin begins as a thought, and every victory is won there first.
- The Word is the Agent of Change: Human willpower is insufficient to change deep-seated mental patterns; only the supernatural Power of Biblical Thinking—fueled by the Holy Spirit—can truly transform a life.
Final Review
This book is an essential read for any Christian feeling overwhelmed by the “mental noise” of the 21st century. Goetsch’s writing is accessible, highly structured, and deeply rooted in the King James Bible. While the tone is that of a traditional Baptist evangelist—direct and uncompromising—the practical applications (especially the “Putting Off-Putting On” principle) are universally applicable and profoundly effective.
If you are tired of being a prisoner to your thoughts, What’s on Your Mind? offers the keys to your cell. It’s time to stop letting the world brainwash you and start letting the Word wash your brain.
FAQs
Q1. Is this book suitable for new Christians?
Yes, but it’s especially powerful for growing believers seeking deeper understanding.
Q2. Is the book practical or theological?
It is deeply biblical yet very practical.
Q3. Does the book focus on Scripture?
Absolutely. Scripture is central to every chapter.
Q4. Can this book help with mental discipline?
Yes, it offers clear steps to guard and guide thoughts.
Q5. What is the main takeaway of the book?
Right thinking leads to right living.