Charles Reade wrote these famous words:
Sow a thought, reap a word.
Sow a word, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
Such truth is found in those words. It really begins with our thinking. Now, we must control our thoughts and keep our hearts free from strongholds. I believe that there are two important principles about keeping our thought life honest. Perhaps, there are more but two principles stand out in my mind.
We must submit our thought life to the discipline of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul clearly states that everyone must or should bring "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5). In context of Paul's writing is that we live in this human body, but we do not fight in the flesh. Remember, we are daily engaged in spiritual warfare. Even our weapons are spiritual, they are not fleshly, and they are mighty through Almighty God. Until we submit our thought life, honestly, to God our imaginations control our lives. The enemy is so cunning that he attacks our thoughts through every type of distraction and lies attempting to crowd our thoughts with things that are contrary to the mind of God. Again, the apostle Paul declares, "Let this mind [thought life, thought pattern, mental outlook] be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). Every day ... every single day ... at the beginning of the day, we should always pray: "Jesus, think Your thoughts through me! My mind is under Your control and Your discipline. Help me." We desperately need Jesus Christ to be the Lord of our thought life.
We must submit our thought life to the direction of the Word of God. Here's the truth of the matter: only when Jesus is Lord of our minds are we willing to apply our minds to the direction of the Word of God. Once again, Paul offered spiritual guidance for controlling our thoughts. He states, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8). Why do we forget these words? We must stop with negative thinking which often leads to unbelief and doubt. The Word of God is true! We are to think on things that are true, not things we think are true.
Our thoughts mold us. Our thoughts shape us. Matthew declares, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21). Every thought that travels through our minds leaves its impression, both positive or negative ... faith or doubt ... holy or wicked. If we think the same thought twice, the impression becomes more prominent. If we think the same thought consistently, especially if it's negative, wicked, full of doubt, the impression in our mind becomes increasingly difficult to reroute. Ultimately, that impression in our minds becomes a stronghold.
It all begins with our thought life.
Thanks for reading!
God bless,
CRG