You are what you think

“Those 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.” (Rom. 8:5 NLT)

What are you thinking about?

Someone once said, “You aren’t what you think you are, but what you think, you are.” In other words, if your mind is focused on sinful things, you are living according to the flesh and not pleasing to God. On the other hand, if your thoughts are directed by the Holy Spirit and centered on spiritual things, you are living in a way that pleases the Spirit.

Control your thoughts

It’s important to understand that you have control over what you choose to think about. Thoughts are like birds—they may fly over your head, but you don’t have to let them build a nest in your hair. When a negative or sinful thought enters your mind, recognize it for what it is, and bring it under control.

Also remember

Your thought life is shaped by what you feed your mind. If you constantly listen to music with sinful messages or fill your mind with R-rated movies and worldly entertainment, your thoughts will reflect that content. But if you listen to worship music and fill your heart and mind with God’s Word through reading and studying the Bible, you will develop a spiritual mindset that honors God.

Take Every Thought Captive to Obey Christ

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” (2 Cor. 10:3-6 ESV)

Renew Your Mind

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)

Therefore

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
(Phil. 4:8 ESV)