"Think On These Things"

by J. Taylor, Crowborough | Category: General | Mar 1981

We are told that, in the days of Noah, "the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen. 6:5). This shows the natural tendency of the fallen nature of mankind, and was a direct result of the entrance of sin into God's fair creation and into the heart and mind of man. Because of the state of corruption to which mankind had descended "it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart" (v.6). As a result God's judgement fell on the earth, and only Noah and his family were saved, having found grace in the eyes of the Lord (v.8). After the flood, when Noah came out of the ark, the Lord promised that He would never "curse the ground any more for man's sake, for that the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth" (Gen. 8:21).

This then is the state of man's heart and mind by nature, but what of the child of God? We read that "if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature" (2 Cor. 5:17). Does this mean that our thoughts are immediately changed?

There is one very important change in our thinking when we are born again, and that is in our response to the all-important question "What think ye of the Christ?" (Matt. 22:42). What we think of Him is vital to our eternal welfare for, "except ye believe that I am He, ye shall die in your sins" (John

8:24). However, as the old nature is still with us, it is still possible for wrong or even evil thoughts to come into our minds. But there is now a difference, the child of God has dwelling within him the Holy Spirit, who seeks to direct the heart and mind in the way of the Lord.

We soon discover, as the apostle Paul did, that there is now a conflict between the old nature, the flesh and the Spirit. Paul says, "I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind" (Rom. 7:22, 23). So then through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit we now desire to think right thoughts, but we find that this is by no means easy. Self-control in any form is never easy. The control of our thoughts is always most difficult; even when we are gathered to remember the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread distracting thoughts can come unbidden into our minds, just when we desire to have our thoughts centred on the Lord Himself. What can be done about this? Peter speaks of "girding up the loins of your mind" (1 Pet. 1:13), while Paul speaks of "the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2). In 2 Cor. 10:5 we are exhorted to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ". So then, by the help of the Holy Spirit, the control of our thoughts is set before us as a distinct possibility.

It is sobering to reflect that our every thought is known to God. "Thou understandest my thought afar oft" said the psalmist (139:2). Whether we realize it or not, our minds are occupied with thoughts of one kind or another through all our waking hours and what our thoughts are is important, for as a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7 AV). It is a well known fact that our thoughts can have a very considerable effect upon our bodily health, and in like manner our spiritual health can be affected too. A tranquil mind and heart is something to be desired, and will be a great blessing to us. In Phil. 4:6-7 we read those lovely words, "In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus". Isaiah too gives us some very comforting words in a similar strain, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee" (Isa. 26:3).

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honourable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely... think on these things" (Phil.4:8).

J. Taylor, Crowborough | Mar 1981
General