Can you remember back to your childhood when you did something so mindless that a parent or teacher asked you the question, “What were you thinking?” In reality, we might have been thinking; but our thinking was neither correct nor Biblical. Words and actions enable listeners and readers to know “who” is guiding our thoughts. Proverbs 23:7 provides a window into the heart of mankind as it reads: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he . . .”
Early evening Facebook stroll: Great family pix! Fun times on the lake! Congrats on your recent graduation! Go Braves! Hmmm. That post doesn’t sit well with me. Moving on. Moving back. To Reply or Not to Reply? I need to ignore it and move on. Failed attempt to move on. Response typed. Message sent.
Late evening Facebook post check: Oh no! What was I thinking? Did I really write those words? Ok. I admit it. I was angry, but why did I send my thoughts around the world? Ugh L
Prayer: “Father, I love you, and I sincerely regret posting my thoughts on Facebook last night. Please help me to understand ‘why’ I failed to think before I posted.”
Explanation:
Harry Blairmires, in his book “The Christian Mind” tells his readers that while Christians may pray and worship as Christians, they do not think as Christian.”
“ The Christian mind has succumbed to the secular drift with a degree
of weakness and nervelessness unmatched in Christian history.” (pp. 3-4)
A testimony-threatening undertow has occurred in the lives of believers to the extent that their minds are drifting away from their Savior and into the depths of secularism. When the mind of a Christian is caught in the undertow of Satan, the thoughts, words, actions, habits, and character of a child of God will soon betray the One Who gave His life so that the lost might live.
Illustration: In May of 1977, a Texas newspaper feature entitled: “What They’re Saying” ascribed the following quotation to Frank Outlaw, the late President of Bi-Lo Stores:
Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions;
Watch your actions, they become habits;
Watch your habits, they become character;
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
Challenge:
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer – Psalm 19:14
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK on these things – Philippians 4:6.