How are we to keep our thoughts or mind pure and clean? First of all, we should realize that, in one sense, that our evil thoughts are more sinful and serious than our actions. St. Peter says to Simon the sorcerer, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22). Simon desired the anointing of the Holy Spirit but his intention was to make a living out of it. It is this unholy thought which is considered as ‘wickedness’ by Peter.
Why does God take our wrong thoughts so seriously? The reason is that every thought will be judged by God (Eccl 3:17); we are accountable to God for every thought of ours. Our God lives in a ‘secret place’, and he wants us to live with Him in that secret place (Psa 91:1) – for which we must not have any secret sins.
When unsanctified thoughts try to come in, thrust them out of your mind by the grace of God. Sooner or later you may face the same problem or a similar trial. Again, by the grace of God, fight against it. Such a life is called an overcoming life. It is for an overcoming life that we are called; let us not give in to sinful thoughts.
We cannot grow above our thoughts. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov 23:7). If you think like the devil, you are like a devil indeed. If you think like Christ, you are like Christ.
Why does God take our wrong thoughts so seriously? The reason is that every thought will be judged by God (Eccl 3:17); we are accountable to God for every thought of ours. Our God lives in a ‘secret place’, and he wants us to live with Him in that secret place (Psa 91:1) – for which we must not have any secret sins.
When unsanctified thoughts try to come in, thrust them out of your mind by the grace of God. Sooner or later you may face the same problem or a similar trial. Again, by the grace of God, fight against it. Such a life is called an overcoming life. It is for an overcoming life that we are called; let us not give in to sinful thoughts.
We cannot grow above our thoughts. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov 23:7). If you think like the devil, you are like a devil indeed. If you think like Christ, you are like Christ.
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion
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