This could be the teaching and lives of the pharisees, but I think what is even a deeper thought is the manipulation of the pharisees, people who make rules for your lives, people who want to control how you think and live.
Who is controlling your mind? We choose who has the reins of our brain. God wants us to think for ourselves. God gave each of us a brain. We need to stay teachable, humble. If we do this, we will be able to hear God's voice. Let me share some scriptures with you:
But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16b
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself. Philippians 2:3
Thus says the LORD, 'Do not deceive yourselves' Jeremiah 37:9
Little children, make sure no one deceives you 1 John 3:7a (looked up on http://www.Biblegateway.com)
And Jesus answered and said to them, 'See to it that no one misleads you.' Matthew 24:4
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
Does fear or worry control your brain? They aren't from God.
Does bitterness or anger control your brain? They aren't from God.
Are you easily swayed? Ground yourself in the Word.
Are you indecisive?
Are you afraid to speak up, wishy-washy? Ground yourself in the Word and prayer. Practice the Word. Write verses that speak to you and take them with you. The Word is powerful and alive. It will transform your brain. But it takes time. It isn't a quick-fix. God needs to take you through the healing process -- healing your mind from all the world system thinking. It is in us deeper than we can consciously understand.
Romans 12:2 says, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
If you don't know where to start, realize God is listening and ask Him for help. Just say, "God, help me. Free me from ....."
We all can and need to be free in our minds. The enemy wants to keep us ignorant. He wants us to feel like we are powerless. If you know Jesus, you aren't. But if he can keep you in the dark then he can still control you, as can your flesh. He'll get you to keep your mind on surface things, the flesh, lust for whatever.
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace Romans 8:6
One more thing -- you have to want this. If you don't, then don't do the I'll try it thing. Sitting on the fence can be very painful.