You Are What You Think

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds." Deuteronomy 11:18a

My best friend and I were longtime fans of the Christian-rap group, DC Talk. I knew most of the lyrics by heart, especially Toby's. I didn't sit down to memorize them. I learned them by listening repetitiously and thinking about them. One day we put in one of their cassettes as we drove to church. When Toby's part came on, as usual, I rapped with him word for word. Something else happened in that moment. My friend looked at me in disbelief as my voice suddenly blended so completely with his, it sounded like one voice.

In a similar way, our daily actions become one with whatever consumes our thoughts. In Matthew 12:34b-35, Jesus said, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings forth evil things out of the evil stored up in him."

What are we storing up in our hearts? Are we reading God's Word and letting His thoughts fill our minds or are we filling our minds with music, books, magazines, pictures, internet, movies or other things that teach an opposite way of life? The images and messages may seem harmless, but God reminds us that our thoughts determine our actions.

In Deuteronomy 11, God told the Israelites to be consumed with Him and His Word, and, in so doing, set an example of passionate living for God. If seeking God's pleasure consumes our thoughts, energy, feelings, and speech (Mark 12:30), He promises us a deeper understanding of who He is, a peace despite circumstances, and a freedom from sin's strongholds.

What can we do to fill our thoughts with things of God? We can memorize Bible verses ("Fix these words of Mine in your hearts and minds"v. 18), share our faith with others ("Teach them.., [talk] about them" v. 19), and display pictures, verses, or other items that remind us of our relationship with God ("Write them on the door frames of your house" v. 20).
Your actions flow from the rivers of your mind.

So how are you doing? Are there any tips you've learned that help you to concentrate daily on Him?

Motives

Recently, I asked God to open my eyes to sin in my life. I find the more I'm conscious of my own weaknesses, the greater my reliance on Him and, therefore, the greater freedom and peace I feel.

He answered.

It started out with a careless e-mail that infuriated a co-worker. Then, slowly, I began analysing why I went out of my way to tell people I was praying for them or even just going out of my way to listen. It made me feel good. I wanted to know why, so I began spying on myself.

My conclusion? I like to be liked. It's part of my personality, but others sometimes view it as a sign of spirituality. It isn't. I may die with the praise of my peers and reap silence before God.

Oswald Chambers said most of us don't act rude or say what we feel before others because we're cowards; we don't want to be disliked.

So is this revelation just one of depression; that what appears good is backed up by selfish and self-centred motivation? No, I don't think so.

When I realize my motives, I surrender them to God. I can't stop being friendly or trying to encourage others because my motives might not be pure (for I'm sure sometimes it is used and isn't backed by consciousness of me). I can and do realize with this revelation just how much I need a Saviour to save me from me and from sin.

Jesus paid my penalty once for all, but I still need Him to carry and cleanse me. This is part of the relationship. This is part of what theologians call "sanctification." I am saved from the penalty of my sins, but am still in the process of breaking sinful habits and becoming separated to God. The proof of the former is that I hate sinning.

This is where the freedom comes. I confess my sins, and God forgives me (1 John 1:9). I surrender my motives.

Paul says that none of us can truly know all the motives of the heart:
"I have a clear conscience, but that doesn't mean I have God's approval. It is the Lord who cross-examines me...He will also bring to light what is hidden in the dark and reveal people's motives..." (1 Corinthians 4:4-5)

The Psalmist says: "Who can notice every mistake? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep me from sinning. Do not let anyone gain control over me. Then I will be blameless, and I will be free from any great offense. May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my defender." (Psalms 19:12-14)

Knowing my sin reminds me where my righteousness comes from. It is not an excuse to keep on sinning. It is an excuse to keep on reaching out to Jesus.

What about you? Do you have an area where others think you are good, but you have realized you do it for the wrong reasons?

It's freeing to let go of the facade and trust God.