"HOW CAN I TAKE CONTROL OF MY THOUGHTS?"

Monday January 19, 2015

"HOW CAN I TAKE CONTROL OF MY THOUGHTS?"
Proverbs 4:23 Pr 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.

Many Christians struggle with this issue, especially in our highly technological world, but taking control of our thoughts is essential. The “heart” includes the mind and all that proceeds from it. Someone said that every sin we commit, we commit twice, once in our thoughts and again when we act upon those thoughts. It is easier to rid our lives of sin if we attack it at this fundamental thought level rather than waiting for it to become rooted in our lives by our actions and then try to pull it out.

There is also a difference between being tempted (a thought entering into the mind) and sinning (dwelling upon an evil thought and wallowing in it). It is important to understand that when a thought enters our mind, we examine it based upon God's Word and determine if we should continue down that path or reject the thought and replace it with another thought. If we have already allowed a habit to form in our thought lives, it becomes more difficult to change the path of our thoughts. Here are some biblical suggestions for taking control of our thoughts and getting rid of wrong thoughts: 

1. Be knowledgeable in God's Word so that when a sinful thought enters our mind (a temptation), we will be able to recognize it for what it is and know what course to take. Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4) responded to each of Satan's temptations with Scripture that applied to the direction He knew His mind should take instead of beginning down the path of the sinful thought. 

2. Live in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, chiefly through seeking His strength through prayer. If you rely upon your own strength, you will fail 3. Do not to feed your mind with that which will promote sinful thoughts. Romans 13:14 states, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Thus, we are to avoid periodicals, videos, websites, conversations and situations that will set us up for a fall. We should also avoid spending time with those who would encourage us down these wrong paths.

Meditation Point

Matthew 5:28 but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Prayer Point

Almighty and ever-living God, Let your fatherly hand guide me and Your Holy Spirit be with me to direct my thoughts in the knowledge and obedience of Your Word that we may abstain from every negative and evil thoughts.

 - Dr. Halidu Abraham(MBBS, FWACS)


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