Saturday, August 18, 2012

Think on These Things

What are you thinking about right now? To put the question another way, What's on your mind? What we think about has a whole lot to do with how we behave. Before ever an act–good or bad–is performed, we give some attention to it, sometimes more than other times.

In the Bible "mind" and "heart" are sometimes used interchangeably. They are not the same but do work together, and the context in which they are used helps us to understand the meaning. Believers are told to set their affections, their mind, on good things, things not displeasing to God (Col. 3:2). The apostle Peter told his readers to "gird up the loins of your mind" (1 Pet. 1:13). He wanted the people to adjust their thinking so that they would be prepared to be used by God.

Satan loves to get us to think thoughts not pleasing to God. He deceives and apparently knows our weaknesses. The big question is, How can we be victorious in our thought-life?

Here are some suggestions that I trust will help you in the area of gaining control of your thoughts before they get control of you. Try to get proper rest. Fatigue of body and mind hinders spiritual growth. When a bad thought not pleasing to God comes to you, remind yourself of something from God's Word. Do not be afraid to tell the devil to get out of your mind. Guard your heart and mind. Verbalize a truth about God. Good thinking!