Thoughts

thoughts - How do my thoughts affect my actions?

It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.

Mark 7:20-23

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. . . . Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3

OUR THOUGHTS hold great power because they guide our emotions and influence our actions. When we allow our minds to rabbit-trail down paths of unhealthy and sinful thoughts, we suddenly find ourselves far away from the kinds of attitudes that God desires for us. But when we choose to think about things that are true, good, and honoring to God, we find it easier to love God and others. God’s Word promises that when our thoughts are fixed on him, we will experience peace—and peace brings joy, contentment, and satisfaction. Sometimes we must fix and then re-fix our thoughts on him. But over time, with discipline and practice, our thoughts will naturally bend toward godliness instead of selfishness, which will transform our actions from the inside out.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, these untrue or sinful thoughts often come to mind: . . .

Your Word reminds me that I should think about . . .