Discipline Your Thought Life.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- thank about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
The Bible teaches that the Christian is responsible for what he receives in his mind. Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." On the same order James 1:21 tells us, "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word." Question! Have you cultivated the habit of holy thinking? It takes a conscious decision on our part to do that.
May I suggest some principles that will help you set your mind on heavenly things, and not on the things of this world. (1) Confess any sins hindering your soul. If you look at impure images that stimulate your lust and desires, confess it as the sin it is. If you are listening to language that is not fit for a Christian to listen to, ask God for His forgiveness. Remember lust and pride are two major sins that most believers struggle with. You need not only to confess the sins that are enslaving your thinking, but you need to repent of them, and ask God for the grace to overcome.
(2) Be cautious about the television you watch, the movies you go to, the music you listen to, the magazines you read, the computer games you play, the websites you visit. Your mind can be corrupted by any of the above.
(3) Memorize Scripture that relate to the temptations of the eyes. Here are some good starters: Psalm 119:37 "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." Job 31:1 "I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?" Psalm 101:3 "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me." Matthew 6:22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light." 1 John 2:15-16 "Do not love the world... for all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-- is not of the Father."
Finally: We need to shift our minds from focusing on the images and ways of the world, to the thoughts and ways of the Master. That means more Bible study, more memorized Scripture, more Christian music, making new friends, getting involved in volunteer work, ministering in your church. The old saying that an idle mind is the devil's playground is true. So stay focused on what pleases the Savior.
For the Christian love is essential, not optional.
The Bible teaches that the Christian is responsible for what he receives in his mind. Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." On the same order James 1:21 tells us, "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word." Question! Have you cultivated the habit of holy thinking? It takes a conscious decision on our part to do that.
May I suggest some principles that will help you set your mind on heavenly things, and not on the things of this world. (1) Confess any sins hindering your soul. If you look at impure images that stimulate your lust and desires, confess it as the sin it is. If you are listening to language that is not fit for a Christian to listen to, ask God for His forgiveness. Remember lust and pride are two major sins that most believers struggle with. You need not only to confess the sins that are enslaving your thinking, but you need to repent of them, and ask God for the grace to overcome.
(2) Be cautious about the television you watch, the movies you go to, the music you listen to, the magazines you read, the computer games you play, the websites you visit. Your mind can be corrupted by any of the above.
(3) Memorize Scripture that relate to the temptations of the eyes. Here are some good starters: Psalm 119:37 "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." Job 31:1 "I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?" Psalm 101:3 "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me." Matthew 6:22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light." 1 John 2:15-16 "Do not love the world... for all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-- is not of the Father."
Finally: We need to shift our minds from focusing on the images and ways of the world, to the thoughts and ways of the Master. That means more Bible study, more memorized Scripture, more Christian music, making new friends, getting involved in volunteer work, ministering in your church. The old saying that an idle mind is the devil's playground is true. So stay focused on what pleases the Savior.
For the Christian love is essential, not optional.
posted by Mel | 5:27 PM
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