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What is on Your Mind?

     We have all heard the phrase, “garbage in; garbage out”. It is computer programing terminology which means what one programs into the computer is what the computer will produce. In a sense, the same is true for our minds. What we allow our minds to focus upon is what will inevitably come out in our speech and in our actions.

Jesus said it this way, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:34-35)

It is easy to reason that the thoughts that go through our minds are harmless. Therefore, some find it habitual to think about evil things while having no intention of ever acting upon them. This is one of the great deceptions of the devil. He would like us to believe that our thoughts have no bearing upon our actions.

Most of us equate evil thoughts to the long list of good intentions we have. There are many things we would like to do that are good. While we think about doing them, we never get around to it. Therefore, some conclude that while evil thoughts are engaging, they are actions one will never get around to doing.

Before we fall victim to the devil’s deception, we should consider the teachings of Christ. He taught that the sin of murder begins with anger (Matthew 5:21-22). Anger is stimulated by our thinking. As Jesus pointed out, murder begins in the heart or the thinking of man.

The same is true for the sin of adultery. This sin begins with a lustful look. The lustful look influences our thinking which leads to the sin of adultery. Jesus taught this in Matthew 5:27-28. Within the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to stop sin where it begins. It begins within the heart of man (ie., his thinking).

Consider this, every sin that we commit begins with our thoughts. It is for this reason that Solomon wrote, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). Therefore, if we want to produce good things in our lives, we must think about good and wholesome things.

Note the words of the apostle Paul, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever thins are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks

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