God, I know I am to control my thoughts.
Today I choose to think on Your words.
Transform me, Lord, as I renew my mind.
Focus of the month: “A Beautiful Reflection”
Ah, the power of the mind! Maybe you’ve heard the sayings: “What you think about you bring about.” Or, “What you behold, you become.” Even, “As one thinks, so she is.” There are many catchy phrases that display the reality of our thoughts leading to our decisions, actions, and eventually, our character.
Have you ever thought about something long enough – whether good or not-so-good – that you found yourself actually doing it? Acting on auto-pilot, we’re not even thinking. It can be frightening, in retrospect, as we realize we’ve become completely detached from our actions as we simply fulfill the things our minds have meditated upon for so long. If we are doing good, then at least we can rest in that goodness. However, if we are engaging in sin, then we are at great risk – not just of committing the sin, but also of altering our character, and even our destiny.
Maybe you’ve heard this quote: “Watch your thoughts. For, they become words. Watch your words. For, they become actions. Watch your actions. For, they become habits. Watch your habits. For, they become character. Watch your character. For, it becomes your destiny.”
The fulfillment of our purpose and destiny have their inception in our very minds – the thoughts we entertain. For this reason, scripture teaches and encourages us to set our minds on things above, and not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2). We are responsible for the meditations of our hearts and minds.
Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” In other words, we are to destroy arguments and opinions that oppose the truth of the Word of God. Further, we should filter every single thought we think through the scriptures. If a thought does not line up with the Truth of the Living Word, then we must cast that thought down – dispose of it – choose NOT to think upon it.
Finally, Paul encouraged the Philippians,
“whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
If our thoughts are not true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or worthy of praise, then we ought not be thinking them.
We are, therefore, responsible to guard our hearts and minds. Likewise, we will be held accountable for what we think about. Our thoughts hold great weight because they are key to our character and the fulfillment of our destiny.
So where is your mind? Is it being renewed and transformed by the washing of the water of the Word of God? Or is it lost somewhere between selfishness and pride? Are you seeking the higher thoughts of God? Or are you meditating upon unrighteous thoughts? Commit today to set your mind on the things above and allow the Word of God to transform you as you renew your mind to His Truth.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18-19; Proverbs 23:7; Ephesians 5:26; Isaiah 55:8-9
