It Starts Small

One of the greatest lies we can believe is that we can not control our thoughts. A lie that says thoughts control you. I believe this is an excuse. This excuse is contrary to the Word of God.

⁸ Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

God’s Word says dwell on these things:

Whatever is honorable.
whatever is just.
Whatever is pure.
Whatever is lovely.
Whatever is commendable.
Whatever is morally excellent.
Whatever is praiseworthy.

The word to dwell on means to to think about or speak about to a great length.

God’s Word not only tells us what to think about but how.

⁸ This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Joshua 1:8

Meditation is the practice of thinking deeply about something. Consider God’s Word and apply obedience to what God’s Word says.

² Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
Psalms 1:2

Our attitude and intention towards the Word of God is so important. It is more than just reading a few verses and a devotion. It is putting a focus and meditation on what the scripture says. All of scripture is a mirror to us. If we intentionally study the Word of God, and let it be the center of our focus, we do not allow the world to bring intrusive or worldly control over our thoughts.

God makes His expectations clear. We are to choose our thoughts carefully and not let our thoughts be chosen by something else. You have heard the saying, “Garbage in garbage out.” What we put into our minds is what will come out. If we choose to fill our mind with hate, lust, doubt, fear, or ungodliness, that is what is going to come out.

How do we practically apply this? It is true, our minds are a battle ground, not a playground. We need to connect our spirit with the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. As we connect with Him, our spirit gets stronger. The mind is a servant to whom you serve. If your surrender and serve Christ, your mind becomes a servant to Him. If you serve the world, your mind becomes a servant to sin.

When the spirit is weak, the mind runs errands for the flesh. It is continually thinking about and focused on the things of the world. When we constantly build our spirit by communion with the Holy Spirit, our mind comes under the control and influence of the Word of God. We have a choice, think upon the things of God or the world.

Every country has checkstations at the border. They do not want people with ill intentions to cross over into their country to do people harm. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to set up the same protection over our mind. We need the Word of God to discern what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy. You choose thoughts of fear, doubt, and unbelief when you let the border down. Your mind is a sidewalk and who and what you allow to influence it will determine your thoughts.