* Learn how to think well. Carve out time regularly for reflection in silence and solitude, prayer, and Scripture reading so you can learn how to think wisely. As you ponder your thoughts, ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and help you separate fact from fiction and what is true from what is merely clever. Take time to consider our culture’s messages, and how they’re aiming to make you feel. Engage those messages by asking yourself tough questions about them and how you should respond. Don’t compartmentalize your life; instead, integrate your worldview into every aspect of your life so you think about every subject in light of your faith.

* Develop disciplines. Know that, to cultivate your mind well, you must do it intentionally and often counter-culturally. Don’t let life’s urgent activities crowd out what’s most important in your life. Decide that you will make it a priority to develop your intellect, no matter what your current circumstances. Schedule time to read four days a week, for about 30 minutes a day, in a place that’s as free of chaos and interruptions as possible – and guard your reading time. Sign up for a class that meets regularly, or schedule regular time to study something that interests you. Use your downtime (time spent waiting in line, in traffic, etc.) to learn by reading, writing, or listening. Every day, enjoy some quiet time reading the Bible, praying, and perhaps journaling as well. Periodically, get away for a retreat (either on a trip, or simply a walk in your yard or local park) to reflect and pray.

* Be able to answer, “So what?” Understand that the deepest question the world has about Christianity is, “So what?” Decide that you will use your intellect to help answer that question for people who are seeking the truth. Don’t simply explore ideas and arguments for your own sake; instead, prepare yourself to defend the faith, present reasons to believe, and motivate people to consider why the Bible’s message is important and should matter to them. Ask God to give you courage to use your mind to reach other minds for Christ.