Disturbing? I agree.
I was talking about this with a good friend a few weeks ago, and it's been rolling around in my mind ever since. Of course, we all know that what we think is just as bad as what we say, we all know that God reads our thoughts, and we're all very careful not to say more than half of what we think.
Why is it that it's so easy for me to keep my mouth shut, but so hard to take my thoughts captive?
Girls, I think it's especially hard for us. We, or at least I, have a tendency to fantasize. Everything. We easily function based on our emotions - rational or not. One little thought can send us spinning off into...well, that's just not stuff you say.
And it's not stuff you should think.
This can range anywhere from a romantic-type fantasy all the way to getting in an argument and holding your tongue, but thinking oh-so-terrible things about the other person.
Two verses that really hit me about this.....
1 Chronicles 28:9 "for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts..."
Romans 2:16 "....God judges the secrets of men according to Jesus Christ."
Should our attitude be "if it's not nice/edifying/pure/profitable/you-name-it, don't say it" or "if it's not nice/edifying/pure/profitable/you-name-it, don't think it"?
I'm starting to realize I've been way too lenient with my thought life. What are your thoughts (no pun intended) on all this?
Wow, that's a big one for me! Thanks for sharing. It shows how much we need to be focused on Christ so that He is what we continually think on. We can get so caught up in the things of this world. It's a lot of work to train our thought life. This gives me a lot to chew on. Thanks, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!! Thanks for reading :) I bought that Emily Freeman book that your mama told me about - it should arrive tomorrow. I'm very excited to start it!!
DeleteEmily P. Freeman? I have her book "Grace for the Good Girl" and I adore it. It's the most life altering book. I need to read it again.
DeleteThis is a great post, Lisa. My family have discussed this together before. It's significant to note that Scripture says "we are transformed by the renewing of our MIND" and not anything else. So a man thinks in his heart, so is he. It pays to remember that the more we think on certain things, they eventually go into our hearts, and we then become a product of what is in our hearts. This isn't always easy to live out, but if we make a mental note to reject any thought that doesn't line up with God's Word (ie. Phil 4:8) our minds - and subsequently our lives - will be renewed. :)
That's the book I just bought! It should come today or tomorrow :)
DeleteI totally agree! What is inside *will* come out whether we think it doesn't or not. Very good point. Thank you :)
Oh, that's great that you bought that book too! I'm only a little ways through it and it's already life changing. I'm starting to get a little freaked out by the author's name (Emily), because it's crazy how I totally relate to her! Just kidding, but it does feel like she's been reading my thoughts! I think this book is just exactly what I need right now. I pray that God uses it mightily in my life to help me understand some really hard questions that I've been having. I so long to have a closer walk with God and understand how I'm supposed live out my life before Him. I want to know Him more!
DeleteLisa, this is a great post! I wanted to share one thing that I have learned over the past year that has been a guide to me in this area. As I walked along side of a sister working thru some things, this one thing was shared that has impacted me. Our thoughts, words, and actions should be measured against 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This is our guide......the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, mind,and strength, and love others as ourself. This is our measuring stick to help guide us. It is amazing when you go down the passage and compare a thought, word, or action and see if it lines up. It is an amazing tool given to us by our gracious Father! The other day I was standing at the sink, recalling something that had happened earlier that day and a thought popped into my mind that surprised me! I asked God to help me discern that thought and immediately the portion of 1 Corinthian 13 came to me...love thinketh no evil. My thought was assuming evil of someone and I was able to see that in the light of scripture and with God's help change. You are in a season of life where it is hard to keep your feet on the ground :))) it is a beautiful season of hopes and dreams to be enjoyed and surrendered to God! Hope this helps you as much as it did me. Love ya Mrs. G.
ReplyDeleteHey, nice post sweets....
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can follow each other..!!
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