Solomon, the greatest thinker whoever lived said, “As a man thinks so he is” (Prov. 23:7). Paul told the Colossians to
think more about things above—thoughts
of eternal value—than earthly ones (3:2). He told the Philippians to
think about better things (4:8-9). And he flat out warned the Corinthians
to “capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Jesus often asked the question,“What do you think?”
If the first disciples had to be reminded not to be too occupied with earthly
things, how much more do we! Earthly things can devour our mental energies and
overwhelm our affections. And here’s a disturbing thought: what we think about
reveals what we love. And John warns “if you love the world, you do not have
the love of the Father in you” (1 John 2:15).
Lot’s wife loved the world. She couldn't stop thinking about the
life she had left in Sodom; she couldn’t keep from looking back; and turned into a pillar of salt. In three power-packed
words, Jesus warns, “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Considering her
consequences, we have to ask “what was she thinking?” Whatever it was must have been pretty important to her! What do you think?
If you are like me (and I think you are!) when life’s “earthly” circumstances come at you, you can easily get very ‘earthbound.’ By earthly circumstances, I am referring to the day-to-day business as well as certain episodic trials, like the serious illness of a loved one, or a financial loss, etc. During these times, we are tempted to let our minds go to these natural events; we have a difficult time doing what Paul says to “set our minds on things above.” Or, as I would say instead of thinking “divine” thoughts, I am thinking earthy thoughts!
Thinking is arguably the most important human trait. With our thoughts and all the faculties of our mind (imagining, learning, meditating, planning, scheming, brainstorming) we can invent things and change the world.
But more to the point of this teaching, our thoughts create the inner world in which we live—our thoughts are the “house” we live in! What kind of “inner world” are you creating with your thoughts? What kind of “thought house” are you living in? Paul says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right… pure … lovely… let your minds dwell on [think] these things.” The Bible affirms that what you think about and what you tell yourself is crucial to your faith (Romans 12:2). And the wisest man who ever lived said, “...as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he…” Proverbs 23:6.
Who do you think you are? Do you need to do some "thought house cleaning?"
