In Chapter 6, Hughes teaches that a godly man must intentionally discipline what he thinks about. The battle for holiness is largely a battle of the mind. A man’s actions, words, habits, and spiritual strength all flow from his thoughts.

The world constantly feeds men messages through media, entertainment, work pressures, and culture. If a man does not actively guard his mind, it will slowly be shaped by the world instead of by God. Spiritual failure rarely begins with behavior — it begins with unchecked thinking.

Hughes points to Scripture’s call for mental renewal (Romans 12:2). A godly man works to train his mind to think biblically, not just occasionally but daily. This means replacing passive consumption with intentional input. What a man reads, watches, listens to, and dwells on will determine who he becomes.

The chapter emphasizes several key practices:

1. Filling the mind with Scripture
2. Memorizing and meditating on God’s Word
3. Developing thoughtful reading habits
4. Avoiding mental laziness and empty distractions

Rejecting sinful thought patterns early.

He also stresses that purity, integrity, patience, and self-control are first formed internally. When the mind is disciplined, the life follows. When the mind is neglected, temptation gains power.

Hughes reminds men that the Christian life is not anti-intellectual — God calls men to love Him with their minds. Growth in godliness requires thinking deeply about truth, doctrine, and wisdom. A man who cultivates his mind becomes more stable, discerning, and effective as a husband, father, and leader.

Main takeaway:

A godly life begins in a godly mind. If a man learns to govern his thoughts under Christ, his behavior, relationships, and leadership will begin to align with God’s design.