Question 1

How can my thoughts affect my behavior?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 101:4I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.James 1:14-15Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.Allowing a small indulgence to sinful desires in our thought life gives sin a foothold. Once sin has that leverage over us, the battle against temptation becomes a more dangerous fight. We should decide ahead of time to stand firm against allowing even a hint of sin to grow in our hearts.Genesis 6:5The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.Isaiah 59:7Their feet run to do evil, and they rush to commit murder. They think only about sinning. Misery and destruction always follow them.Ezekiel 38:10“At that time evil thoughts will come to your mind, and you will devise a wicked scheme.”Micah 2:1What sorrow awaits you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out, simply because you have the power to do so.Matthew 15:19“From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.”Mark 7:20-23He [Jesus] added, “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.”Colossians 1:21This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.The dangerous transition from evil thoughts to wrong and destructive actions is clear in the Bible. We would be foolish to entertain evil thoughts as though they are harmless. Entertaining evil thoughts always leads to evil actions in the end.Proverbs 15:14, 26, 28A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. . . . The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. . . . The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.Romans 1:28-32Since they [sinful humans] thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.Ephesians 4:17-19, 23-24With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. . . . Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.James 3:13, 17-18If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works . . . . The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.Wise and godly thinking can shape our words and our actions so that they are pure and beneficial for others. In contrast, foolish and sinful thoughts can lead us to shut out God’s light, and the result will be confusion, a breakdown of moral character, and ultimately a willingness to participate in any evil act.Psalm 1:1-2Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.Psalm 40:8“I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”Psalm 119:11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.Philippians 4:8-9Fix 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.1 Peter 1:13So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.Our thoughts can prepare us to follow godly examples and share in God’s peace. This is especially true when we dedicate our thoughts to thinking about God’s Word.Ezekiel 22:12There are hired murderers, loan racketeers, and extortioners everywhere. They never even think of me and my commands, says the Sovereign Lord.Colossians 2:18Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud.1 Timothy 6:5These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.Worthless and foolish thoughts can lead us to pride, hypocrisy, and even criminal activity. What we do almost always comes from what we first think about. The seeds for our actions, both good and bad, are planted in our hearts. We should nurture the soil of our hearts to produce godly thoughts that are pleasing to God.

Question 2

Can I commit a sin in my mind?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 6:5The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.Proverbs 6:16, 18There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: . . . a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong.Proverbs 15:26The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, cleanse your heart that you may be saved. How long will you harbor your evil thoughts?Jeremiah 7:5-6“‘But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols.’”Matthew 5:21-22“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.”Matthew 5:27-28“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”Matthew 9:4Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?”Matthew 15:19“From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.”Acts 8:18-23When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”Titus 1:15Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.It is possible to sin without doing a thing. Thoughts often reflect intentions and attitudes. Do you derive pleasure from thinking about sinning? This is the seed of an intention. Lust takes pleasure in thinking about immoral sexual acts and desires them all the more. Vengeful rage revels in the thought of destroying another person. Covetousness delights in scheming ways to steal from others. Both the Old and New Testaments clearly point out that sin is not limited to our actions. Release any inappropriate or evil thoughts just as quickly as they pop up!

Question 3

How can I improve my thoughts so they are pleasing to God?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 1:1-2Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.Psalm 119:11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.Memorizing Scripture is an excellent way to impress God’s truth on our hearts and minds.Deuteronomy 6:6-7“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”Joshua 1:8“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”1 Timothy 4:13-15Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.Studying and thinking about God’s Word continually invites his thoughts to fill our minds. As our minds become more and more in harmony with his, our hearts will too.Mark 7:20-23He [Jesus] added, “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.”Romans 13:14Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.Bad thoughts are going to pop into our minds—don’t be shocked! They arise from our sinful nature. It’s when we encourage them to stay that we get in trouble. Instead of dwelling on bad thoughts, we must redirect our minds to good and righteous things. Sometimes choosing God honoring physical activities is the best path away from sinful thoughts.Psalm 19:14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.Psalm 26:2Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.Psalm 139:23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.Matthew 6:13“And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”We can ask God to show us our wrong thoughts and give us the strength to reject them. Our own strength and determination isn’t strong enough to free us from sin, but when we turn to God for help, his Holy Spirit empowers us to think and live righteously.Psalm 51:10-12Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.Jeremiah 31:33“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”Romans 8:5-6Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.Romans 12:2Don’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.1 Corinthians 2:16For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.If we wish to become like Christ, we must invite God to radically change the way we think. A disciplined mind will not come by just obeying rules or growing our willpower. It requires God’s supernatural help; this will bring a change to our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit.Psalm 101:4I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.Proverbs 2:1-2My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.2 Corinthians 10:5We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.Philippians 4:8Fix 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.We should make a conscious effort to practice thinking good thoughts, just like we might practice other skills. These thoughts might be about the good things in our lives that we are thankful for, the good in others that we appreciate, the good that we might do for others, and the goodness of God in providing our earthly blessings and in promising us eternal life.

Question 4

What kinds of thoughts are pleasing to God?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 6:6-7“You must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”Deuteronomy 11:18“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.”Joshua 1:8“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”Psalm 1:1-2Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.Psalm 119:15, 23, 48, 78, 97, 99I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. . . . Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. . . . I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees. . . . Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. . . . Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. . . . Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws.Jeremiah 31:33“This is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”2 Peter 3:1-2This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.God is pleased when we think about his Word, because his Word reveals who he is and helps us to become like him.1 Samuel 12:24“Be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.”1 Chronicles 16:12Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given.Psalm 77:11-12Then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.Psalm 107:43Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.Psalm 119:27Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.Psalm 143:5I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.Psalm 145:4-5Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.God is pleased when we think about his mighty works and all he has done for us—the beauty of his creation, his miracles, and his care for us.Romans 11:33Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!1 Corinthians 2:7-10No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.God is pleased when we think about his wisdom and his ways—most of all, the revealed mystery of the gospel and its redeeming power.Zechariah 7:10Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.1 Corinthians 1:10I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.1 Corinthians 10:24Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.Ephesians 5:17Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.Philippians 2:2-4Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.1 Timothy 5:3Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.Hebrews 10:24Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.1 John 3:17If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?God is pleased when we think of ourselves as part of the community of believers. This perspective will guide us to seek unity, to be thoughtful about how we treat each other, and to think of ways to encourage and care for others.1 Chronicles 28:9“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”Psalm 48:9O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple.Psalm 63:6-7I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.Psalm 104:34May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.Malachi 3:16-17Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.”Matthew 22:37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’”God is pleased when we think about him.Matthew 6:20“Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”John 14:2-3“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”1 Corinthians 2:9“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”Philippians 3:18-19I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.Colossians 3:1-4Since 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. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.Thinking about heaven reminds us that this world is not all there is, and that so many of the things people chase after in this life will not follow into the world to come. Our ideas of heaven don’t come close to capturing all of its glory and grandeur and the joys God offers there. Yet one of the most amazing things about heaven is that our lives now will affect our lives there as well. When we think about heaven, we remember to invest our lives in the kinds of riches that last for eternity.

Question 5

What are the benefits of a more godly thought life?

Accepted Answer

Isaiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!Romans 8:5-6Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.Philippians 4:6-7Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.A godly thought life brings great peace of mind.Romans 12:1-2I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 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.1 Corinthians 2:15-16Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.Colossians 1:9So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.A godly thought life leads to deeper understanding, wisdom, and discernment.Romans 7:22-25I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.Romans 8:5-6Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.Turning our thought life over to God frees our mind from slavery to sin.2 Corinthians 4:18So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.Colossians 3:1-2Since 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.A godly thought life gives us a clearer perspective on life and eternity.Jeremiah 31:33“This is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”Luke 6:45“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”Colossians 1:9-10We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.As our thought lives become more godly, others will recognize through our words and actions that we truly belong to God.