Thoughts Dictate Actions

Every action started as a thought. Your thoughts even if they do not become actions affect you and your behavior. As Christians we are to “bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” as written in II Corinthians 10:4-6.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” II Corinthians 10:4-6

Likely all of us have committed acts of violence or even murder in our minds. Before you recoil and say “no, not me!” think for a moment of times you have been angry at other drivers on the road during rush hour or the time you stood in a frustratingly long line behind the seemingly slowest cashier ever at the grocery store. Be honest with yourself. I can list several examples of frustrating situations. Has there ever been a time when, in your mind, you sideswiped an annoying driver or told off or hit the annoying slow cashier or customer in front of you at the cashier? Ever imagine pummeling someone, even if they were a bully or someone otherwise deserving, in your opinion, of a pummeling, hit, or other corporal punishment? Though we all have thoughts that never manifest or birth an action, all of our thoughts matter.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord; Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.” Psalms 119:9-16

“A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't” is a quote by Charles Spurgeon. When we have an unrighteous thought that is not a sin. We are to control our thoughts, “take every thought captive”. Our thoughts are not necessarily sins or mean that we are bad. It is what we do with our thoughts that is good or bad. It is what action comes from our thoughts that is sinful or righteous. Our actions define us, but it is thoughts that are the seed planted from which actions grow. If a negative thought arises, cut that plant down at the root lest it grow into a negative or sinful action. Controlling our thoughts is the beginning of bettering our actions, squashing would-be sinful actions. Keep in mind that the old saying, “garbage in, garbage out” in reference to what we see or watch on television, for example, is true. What we think dictates how we act. If we are watching a lot of violence we are more likely to act violently in response to a stressful situation.

Our bodies are a temple of God and are to be treated as such. What we see or watch affects us. What we eat affects us. Coffee is a good example as the ingestion of it is more noticeable than some foods or drinks. (I enjoy a good cup of Joe now and then!) Start asking yourself, “would I watch this with my church friends?” “Would I recommend this food, drink, substance to church friends?” Whether or not you would do a certain action or ingest a certain food, drink, or substance at church is a good measuring stick for whether you should or shouldn’t do something. If you wouldn’t do it at church or even more so if Jesus were sitting next to you, you probably shouldn’t do it or partake of it. When you are unsure of something, ask God and ask a godly person, someone who is further along in their relationship with God than you.

Now, a lot of new Christians or non-Christians look at religion as a bunch of “don’ts” a long list of things you can no longer do or enjoy. Think not of organized religion, but a relationship with God. The more I know God the more I want to be like Jesus.

“’The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.'” John 10:10

Let me be very clear that there are some substances are highly addictive. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are several ways of help. If you are struggling through a mental health crisis with or without substance abuse there is help for you. Did you know that there are rehabilitation centers and other resources available.

Dial 988 Suicide and Crisis Line.

Another resource is Florida department of Children and Families (DCF) or the equivalent agency for your state. https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/substance-abuse-and-mental-health

Each state has a listing of substance abuse and mental health crisis resources.

Another resource is virtual counseling. Apps like Better Help enable you to have a virtual, video conference with a psychologist or counselor making attending appointments easy and convenient.

For more information you may, of course, email me at admin@resilientspirit.blog