Back to Life

What we look at occupies our thought life and our words. What we think about and talk about become our beliefs. Thoughts influence our feelings that produce desires which lead to actions. Our thoughts, words, feelings, beliefs, desires, and actions all sit at the throne of the heart which defines a person’s character: “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7.

We have control over the quality of our hearts. The quest for character requires that certain things be kept “in” the heart as well as kept “from” the heart. An unguarded heart spells disaster. A well-guarded heart means survival. If you hope to survive harsh circumstances, overcoming each difficulty and attack, you will have to guard your heart as you seek to keep it on the right path to knowing God’s will. The Bible says to listen closely to what it has to say and to take hold of it, staying fixed upon it. The writer emphasizes guarding the heart because the heart affects the quality of health and all of life:

“My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27.

The way we think, positive or negative, grows stronger with constant repetition. This may explain why so many people are gloomy and gray stay in that mood, and why others who are enthusiastic and cheerful continue to be so even though they are going through difficult circumstances. The Bible tells us what to think about:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8.

It is God’s will for us to summit to His ways. His way is a better way. If we are ever to get the Christian life right, we have to give up doing it the way that suits us and stop following the patterns of the world. The things we look at, the way we talk, desires, actions, all of it, all belongs to Him. We don’t have to stumble blindly in the dark. God sheds light through His Word and tells us how He wants us to live:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2.