When You Need Better Thoughts

“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)

Our minds are like gardens

If a garden is left unattended, weeds quickly take over. But when it is carefully cultivated, beautiful flowers and healthy fruit grow. Our thoughts work the same way. If we allow fear, bitterness, lust, worry, or discouragement to fill our minds, those thoughts will eventually shape our words and actions. But when we continually fill our minds with God’s truth, His Word begins to transform us from the inside out.

The battle for the Christian life is often won or lost in the mind

Satan seeks to plant lies, while God plants truth. Every day we have a choice about which thoughts we will entertain. We cannot always prevent a thought from entering our minds, but we can choose whether to dwell on it. As we intentionally replace lies with God’s promises and sinful thoughts with His truth, our thinking becomes more like Christ’s. A renewed mind produces a transformed life.

Take every thought captive

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Cor. 10:5 ESV)

Set your mind on the things of the Spirit

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:5-6 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)

Quote

“Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become your character. And watch your character for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become. My father always said that... and I think I am fine.” - Margaret Thatcher

PS: Please forward this to others who may need some encouragement