Every Single Thought

If we think of our mind as a massive piece of real estate, there’s an unending number of thoughts looking to build on every acre. Maybe they’re cultural thoughts, or thoughts passed down through generations. Similarly, the media, our friends, our families, and our workplaces all provide thoughts that we can choose to either accept or reject.

Our thoughts have tremendous influence in how we act—either positive or negative.

Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Paul is instructing us to pass every thought through the filter of the Bible. If the thought entering our mind at any given time could be shown on a movie screen, would Christ approve of it or disprove it?

Our Christian culture is in a danger of becoming individualistic—we are in danger of thinking our faith is all about us and how we can get a better life. No doubt, God makes many promises for those who follow His Word, and gives many warnings about what will happen to those who don’t. But a person who is primarily concerned with themselves—that is, one who seeks after God for their own benefit—is missing the purpose of Christ in their life. We should think godly thoughts not because it makes our lives better, but because it glorifies God. We are created in His image (Genesis 1:27), and Christ in us glorifies God (Colossians 1:27).

Developing a godly thought life does not simply happen because we want one. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. A godly thought life needs be built on a solid, regular intake of connecting with God by reading and praying God’s word, spending time meditating on the word, and discussing the word with other believers.

Over time, God will change us, mold us, root out wrong thoughts, and make our heart attentive to picking out false doctrine.

In Matthew 15, verses 11, 18, and 19 Jesus says: “A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it…But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”

We bring glory to God by allowing His thoughts to form in our minds. By taking every thought captive and making them obedient to Christ, we will see His abundant life formed in us, resulting in godly actions and godly attitudes.

/ PAUL BOGE is the author of Father to the Fatherless: The Charles Mulli Story and five other books. He is single and works as an engineer in Winnipeg.