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Thought Life

JesusSome scientists claim the brain thinks twice as fast as the average person talks. The listener
may process the information he hears. Yet he often also thinks about lunch plans, summer vacation
or that annoying fly buzzing by his ear. The healthy human brain is a thinking machine-a
masterpiece of comprehension and creativity. Yet its capabilities call for careful mastery. A ship can
pitch, a car can swerve, and our thoughts can drift into fruitless things. “Set your minds on things
above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)
JesusEveryone thinks. We observe, consider, reflect and plan. Some people are more practical.
Others are more imaginative. Our minds stay busy while we walk, talk, work and relax. We think all
day and then dream at night.
JesusJesusJesusJesusThe many thoughts in our heads can be like a crowd of people. Imagine a
JesusJesusJesuspresidential birthday party. The president invited a great number of family and
JesusJesusJesusfriends whom he wants to see. They are checked as they enter. Meanwhile his
JesusJesusJesussecret service agents keep their eyes open for the smallest indication of trouble
JesusJesusJesusAny imposter or guest who poses a threat is ejected immediately. You are the
JesusJesusJesuspresident; God’s word is your secret service personnel. We can’t prevent every
uninvited thought from entering our minds. However, it is possible to identify the troublemakers and
overcome them. If you don’t have personnel (unsaved), or if they are untrained (saved but don’t
know God’s word), you are an easy target. Thus, the Bible tells us to bring “every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2Corinthians 10:5).
JesusA mind is a terrible thing to waste, as the saying goes. Yet many people’s thought lives are
marked by schemes, worry, cynicism, quiet rage and other disturbances. No good can come from
this. What is a person thinking while watching a violent movie, listening to depressing music or
reading a sleazy romance novel? Surely those things do not produce thoughts of peace
(Matthew 5:9), joy (1Peter 1:8) and true love (1Corinthians 13). This kind of misguided thinking
wastes one’s time, energy and God-given potential. It distracts from knowing and growing in Christ.
It draws the unsaved to destruction. It neutralizes the Christian and even renders him detrimental to
others. Furthermore, unhealthy thoughts evolve into warped perspectives and strange ideas.
Eventually the person’s behaviors reflect them; thought life becomes real life. The discerning mind
is hospitable to good and unwelcoming to evil. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be
spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
JesusBefore Cain murdered his brother, Abel, God warned him, “…sin lies at the door. And
its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7) Where does murder start?
Where do bribery, adultery and cults start? Each of them begins in the mind as a simple
thought.
JesusThe enemy battles for our thoughts as he wars for our souls. He peddles corrupt ideas and
preys on our weaknesses. Some are presented attractively to tempt us. Some are inconspicuous to
appear harmless. The unwary will willingly or unwittingly contemplate sin until he acts on it. The
person caught in this cycle gradually becomes more tolerant of sin. Eventually he welcomes it. As
plotting precedes murder, so evil thinking begets evil deeds. “You will keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
JesusJesusJesusJesus disarmed satan with scripture. (Matthew 4:1-11) His example is for us to
JesusJesusfollow. Do you envy somebody’s popularity or expensive possessions? “Now godliness
JesusJesuswith contentment is great gain.” (1Timothy 6:6) Have you looked at a woman (or man)
indecently? “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) Are you dwelling on being wronged? “Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Do you feel hopeless because of
your difficult situation? “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Master your mind by minding the
Master. Control your thoughts, or your thoughts will control you.
Jesus“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-
think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)


Additional scripture for review:
Deuteronomy 11:8
1Chronicles 28:9
Romans 1:28/12:2,3
1Corinthians 2:16/13:11
2Corinthians 4:4
Colossians 2:18
Ephesians 4:22-24
2Timothy 1:7
1Peter 4:7
1John 3:17
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