Thoughts Become the Seeds of Deeds
What we speak and then do comes from our thoughts. In the Word we read about vain thoughts-which some translate as ‘useless or worthless’. But in Psalm 119:113 ‘vain thoughts’ means ‘divided-mind or half-hearted’. If our thoughts are being driven by society, social media, worldly agendas, or our own pride, then we need our minds transformed by the Spirit of God. When our sowing is right then we can reap the blessings of righteousness.
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:18
If you believe that “We’ll reap what we sow” then you know how important it is to sow the right kind of seed into good ground in order to produce the harvest you are expecting from it. Tomato seeds grow into tomato plants, cucumber seeds grow into cucumbers, and so on. In a similar way, the thoughts we continually allow to be sown into our minds will eventually produce fruit-good or bad- in our hearts.
And he said, That which comes out of the man, that defiles the man.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Mark 7
Our thoughts can come from various directions-ourselves, the enemy, or God. And sometimes it’s not easy to discern who’s speaking. One way to know is to compare it to God’s Word. If we commit ourselves to studying the Bible with humility and faith then we’ll receive the knowledge and wisdom to guide us to truth. What’s more, it is God’s will to teach us how to receive the blessings of his kingdom.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Now let’s look at contrasting words to those things above which we are to think on. The list of opposites would read something like this: ‘Whatever is false, whatever is dishonest, whatever is unjust, whatever is impure, whatever is unlovely, whatever is of bad report; if there be any immorality, and if there be any dishonor, think on these things.’ This would be the version read out of the enemy’s plan/play book. And it sounds exactly like what's occurring in the 'woke society' today.
It’s not so hard to tell the difference between what kind of mindset God desires for us versus what satan schemes to embed in us. It’s simply the opposite. (Isaiah 5:20) Light and truth against darkness and deception. The two don’t mix together. We can’t be indecisive about who we listen to for guidance. The mind that rejects God’s way is carnal and isn’t under his authority. (Romans 8:7)
Our Thinking Decides Our Harvest If we’re slack in keeping negative and sinful thoughts from taking root in our minds then we’ll eventually reap corruption. Carnal or worldly thinking results in death. Dwelling on the Goodness of God and the comfort in his Word will produce peace in our hearts and lives. It is our choice. We must decide where to till, which seeds to sow, what thoughts to grow, and which ones need uprooted and destroyed. In due season, we’ll harvest our crops- whether good or bad.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
Our mind is the battleground. We cannot afford to allow the enemy to defeat us here. It is a daily process to root out doubt, fear, and lies. If we expect to reap an abundant harvest of righteousness, peace, and joy then we will have to obey the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Victory is certain for those who believe his grace is enough and his strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Defeating the Deception
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
II Corinthians 10:4-6
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:2-4
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