Every day, thousands of thoughts can come into our minds! Literally thousands! And with that, most are not good! Where do they come from?
When you are a Christian, we learn that the enemy launches ‘flaming arrows’ of perverse thoughts, negative thoughts and thoughts of self-pity and confusion! When this happens, we should recognise the thought for what it is, remove it from our mind and not allow it to stay there. Like birds that fly over the trees, do not allow them to land, stay and make a nest. We have to be ‘intentional’ about what we are permitting in our mind to think and influence our behaviours. The Apostle Paul writes wonderfully in Philippians 4, verse 8:- “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Meditate on these things!! Some list! These thoughts are of God, His purity and loveliness – and when you do these things, Paul concludes in verse 9:- “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Honest thoughts that lead to peace and joy! With this truth, we should be able by the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, to be honest with ourselves! Speak out to God what we are thinking, articulate to the Lord about our thoughts and allow Him to show you what He truly thinks of you!
As a Church family, we should be able to trust and be honest with one another without fear of being judged! Let us grow in this area, let us not judge our brother and sister in Christ. Let us not be false but with LOVE, listen and engage with one another honestly. Let our thoughts be pure to one another, as this is very important to our Lord and Saviour. In the letter to the church of Ephesus, chapter 4, verse 25 Paul writes, “Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour, for we are members of one another.” We are members with ‘one another!’ How important for the complete body to be as one – in UNITY! Let us feel comfortable with one another, not ‘wearing an external facade that is contrary to wht we are feeling inwardly! It is healthy to be honest.
And if we are to be honest with members of the Body of the church, we should also be true witnesses to those who know not the Lord. We should not allow ourselves to think we are so special, because we are instructed to ‘show mercy as we have received mercy.’ The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans chapter 12, comments on many things of how we should interact with non-believer’s. In verse 9, Paul says: -” Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” Really LOVE THEM!! Hate evil, hold onto the goodness of Jesus but still love! And in verses 14 to 16, Paul summarises,;-“Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” Wonderful instruction to the church indeed!
Therefore, let us as believer’s live with integrity. Allow our ‘good thoughts and knowledge’ guide and lead us to a behaviour with ourselves, our family in Christ and with the outside world that is honouring and pleasing to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen.
