What have you been thinking about this week? Our thoughts are a very powerful tool. They determine who we are, what attitudes we have and how we act toward other people. Jesus knew this truth and in Mark 7:21-23 was explaining to his disciples the influence of the inner man and his thoughts; “For from within, out of men’s hearts come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.” All sin begins with a simple “thought.” It’s entertained and “mulled” over and over in our mind and before you know it, rather than us taking the thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), it has captivated us.
Often our thoughts become our words. Luke 6:45 states: “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” What we consistently think about is what we will eventually speak about and what we speak about will become our actions! Tweet this. (Proverbs 18:21)
With this in mind, it’s important for us to “weigh carefully” what thoughts we entertain. Ask yourself; “What am I putting into my thoughts? Is it ‘evil’ or ‘good’? Is it ‘godly’ or ‘carnal’?” Instead of dwelling on the negative, earthly, sensual, evil things of the world, try thinking about the things that are (Philippians 4:8):
• True (God’s Word is true; John 17:17)
• Noble (Matters that are worthy of respect and dignity; Thoughts of a higher quality)
• Right (These thoughts meet God’s standard of rightness)
• Pure (Thoughts of moral purity; wholesome)
• Lovely (Thoughts of great moral and spiritual beauty; not evil)
• Admirable (Thoughts that if heard by others would be commendable not condemnatory)
• Excellent/Praiseworthy (Any thought that is virtuous and good)
If you are having trouble with your thought life, start today, to examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, music, conversations, internet, movies, and magazines. Once you have identified all of the “bad” stuff, replace all the harmful input with wholesome material. This begins with reading God’s Word and through pray. Also, take the time to read books that are written by godly men and women. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes time and practice, but it can be done if you will start today!
What are you thinking about today?
— Keith
Do you think others would find this helpful? Then Tweet it!
Keith, this is so good. I want to share it. This is so powerful that it could change the world if heeded. When I was a young Christian, the Church warned people against going to the movies, and when TV became available, we were warned about that too. I am so glad that I had that warning. Now we see the result of all the trash and sewage that has come into peoples minds because of indiscriminate viewing.
Thank you Irene. You can share it by clicking the the Facebook or Twitter button under “Share This” at the bottom of the post. I do hope and pray it helps others, as that is the point of this blog.