Our thoughts, the things we think about, are of critical importance. In God’s eyes, our thoughts define us as surely as any word spoken or deed done. Proverb 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Our thoughts are the intent of our hearts. Although we cannot know each other’s hearts, God knows each of our hearts … He knows our thoughts. In Matthew 9, it is recorded that Jesus said to a paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you.” At this, the account continues that the Scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes!” At verse 4 it is recorded that Jesus knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?”
You see, the things we say and do are the product of our thoughts and our thinking involves the heart. Not our actual heart, but the core of who we are … our minds. Jesus said in Matthew 15:18-20:
“… those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man …”
Our thinking is important … it is the fertile ground from which our words and deeds spring. Our thinking can defile us or make us pure. To help us achieve and maintain purity, the Apostle Paul has given us practical instructions in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
What are we going to meditate on?
How often to we find ourselves giving our mind’s attention to the negativity in the news, negativity in our family, at work, at our neighborhood and on and on? How often do we believe a lie and let it fester in our lives? How often to we let gossip take up residence in our heads?
Paul shows us a better way!
Are we going to be focused on the things of this world — or — will we be meditating on whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report and what things are virtuous and praiseworthy?
The choice is ours!