A Call for Repentance - Day 4: Lord forgive us for entertaining sinful thoughts.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NLT

When we talk about a sinful thought life, the reference may be assumed to be about things having to do with murderous thoughts, sexual thoughts, any imagining of sinful behavior.

Now, whereas these types of thoughts (imagining sinful behavior) exist, and must be taken captive (by the word of God) and cast out (by the authority of Jesus Christ), there are also many kinds of sinful thoughts we may not identify as such, yet corrode our relationship with God, as well as negatively impacting our state of being.

We must make sure that our thought life lines up with the word of God and that we entertain only those thoughts that are pleasing in His sight.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul made clear that thoughts directly affect our spiritual state. Think about it: If we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds (having a mind informed by righteousness), doesn’t it stand to reason that our thoughts can keep us (even as Christians) aligned with the world system?

Friend, if we profess to be following Jesus, shouldn’t our minds, our thoughts, be aimed at that which is eternal (the Kingdom of God)?

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You may not be able to help what thoughts knock on the door of your mind, but you certainly can refuse to invite them in and give them a place to rest.

Let us again today employ the words of David:

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart [my thoughts] be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭NLT

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#resolveforhim

#callforrepentance