Reigning In Our Thoughts :)

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”-2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.”-Proverbs 4:23

God has more than one reason for telling us this, but below are two.

One reason is that he knows that not controlling our thoughts can lead us straight into sin.  We often find ourselves thinking sinful thoughts and THEN we take sinful actions.  In other words, we often entertain temptation before we “give in” to temptation.  We may not always be able to control the first thought, but we can definitely control the second.

A second is that God also knows that not reigning in our thoughts can make us unhappy, and even angry.  Ever find yourself imagining telling someone who has truly wronged you exactly how you feel?  We’ve all done that at some time in our lives.  The problem is that the only person we are hurting is – us.  But we do have a choice.  We don’t have to have those “imaginary” conversations.  We can simply choose to do something else. 

It’s not always possible to control our first thought, but it is possible to stop our second thought.  Get up and get doing.  Help someone.  Spend time with a family member or friend.  Read a book. In other words, occupy your mind with something else.

And most important: Pray! Pray especially for the one who has wronged you and you will find your anger gradually ebb away and in its’ place will be compassion.  It may take a little time, but it always works ?

God’s Word gives us a Roadmap for our lives.  There are some people who think it’s a rule book that they do not wish to obey.  But it is more than that.  God created us, and so He knows what will make us truly happy.  And so He tells us the paths that will lead to happiness for us, and those that won’t.  We can follow His Son Jesus to Heaven  – or not.  It’s our choice!  Given to us by God Himself!