Change This First

Lord, what most affects 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. But those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

Mark 7:20-22; Romans 8:5-6

How do I allow the Spirit to control my thoughts and actions?

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. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know me, your Creator, and become like me.

Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:10

What can I pray when I want to change my thoughts and actions?

Lord, thank you that I am not controlled by my sinful nature. I am controlled by your Spirit if I have him living in me.

Romans 8:9

Your thoughts guide your emotions and influence your actions. Allowing your mind to wander down paths of unhealthy and sinful thoughts will lead you far away from the kind of thoughts and attitudes that God desires. Choosing to dwell on things that honor God will help you focus better on loving him and others. This involves fixing your thoughts on him. What tends to prompt you to have sinful thoughts? Envy arising from social media? Lust from the movies you watch? Text Romans 8:9 to yourself to help you remember to ask the Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions.