DEVOTION, 12/29/2020, MORE ON THINKING

I want to continue focusing on yesterday’s verse from Proverbs 23:7, “As he thinks within himself, so he is.” Jesus taught this principle in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew  Chapter 5 He expanded the law of God to include the thoughts of the mind.  Not only is murder wrong, but so also are angry thoughts. Angry thoughts produce angry behavior. Not only is adultery wrong, but so also are lustful thoughts. Lustful thoughts lead to immoral behavior. In Matthew Chapter 6 he spoke of those who gave alms and who prayed, but the thoughts behind the behaviors were designed to impress men. They were not sincere. God sees not only our actions but the thoughts behind our actions. Almsgiving and prayer are the right actions, but not if the thoughts behind the behavior are deceitful. “Good deeds” motivated by self-centered thoughts are not good deeds. If we only want others to know how spiritual we are, we cancel out the virtue of giving and praying. Be careful little mind what you think.

Father in heaven, forgive me when I clutter my mind with thoughts contrary to Your will. When I seek to act in harmony with Your will, may I never forget that my motive (my thoughts) determines whether what I do is acceptable in Your eyes. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.