Nowadays, it has become customary for us to wear a mask to go out of our homes, we can see them in different colours such as: red, blue, black, grey, with prints or some other design. But it is almost imperative that we wear a mask when we step out of our homes. Something interesting about the use of masks is that someone can smile behind it and no one would notice. However, behind a mask even if someone could be smiling or doing a mean gesture, we would never know, just like when someone is thinking something, we would not be able to tell what is going on in their minds. And even though, someone may act one way, this does not imply that their true intentions are shown. However, what we can do is control our thoughts.
Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)
23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
How many times have we felt that some people are not truly genuine with us or indeed we have been betrayed by them? For these undercover thoughts were manifested through actions and attitudes. Hence, when God says we need to be careful in how we think, it is stating that whenever we meditate on something erroneously we can take the wrong decisions or act improperly towards others or even ourselves.
Matthew 15:18-19 (NKJV)
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
When God indicates we must renew our minds, He says this because it may be that sometimes we may have thoughts that are not necessarily pure, on the contrary, they might try to defile the integrity of our heart and our thoughts. When we renew our minds, we are removing anything that might try to harm our neighbour or even ourselves. As mentioned in the previous verse, what corrupts a man comes from the heart (the Spanish PDT version translates this verse as what comes from the mind), hence when we do not purify what comes out of our heart, we are harming ourselves and others.
Likewise, we could infer, that if we allow defiling thoughts plague our mind and we do not restrain or control these thoughts, we will be acting in such a manner that hinders not only our usual relationships but it will create a rupture in our relationship with God.
Proverbs 21:27 (AMP)
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable and offensive [to the Lord]. How much more [unacceptable and insulting can it be] when he brings it with evil intention?
Even when we try to do things “right” in front of God with second intentions, thinking that no one else is looking, the moment we act dishonestly, our offerings and sacrifices will be considered detestable to Him. Many people might think that since no one found out or perhaps they did not speak what they said in front of that person, it will not be unveiled and everything will be alright. Even if the person who we spoke against is not present, the Omniscient God will always be measuring our hearts, our intentions, and our thoughts and He will ensure that those who walk in righteousness and integrity have His protection.
Proverbs 10:9-10 (AMP)
9 He who walks in integrity and with moral character walks securely,But he who takes a crooked way will be discovered and punished.10 He who [maliciously] winks the eye [of evil intent] causes trouble;And the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.
Upright is defined as: ‘marked by strong moral rectitude[i]’, while integrity is defined as: ‘the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change[ii]’. Naturally, when one person does not control his views, he ends up expressing what he did not dominate one way or another. As the word of God says, the person may even look like a fool. In the one hand, God is indicating us that whatever is against integrity or those who do not regulate his thoughts, will suffer and be punished. On the other hand, God states that whoever does control his judgements will feel safe and secure, hence counting with His protection.
Moreover, we need to take into consideration what God thinks of our ways, attitudes, and actions. Considering the Lord is the judge and jury of the nations walking in integrity and with uprightness, guarantees we have access to His compassion and protection.
Psalm 7:8 (NKJV)
8 The Lord shall judge the peoples;
Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness,
And according to my integrity within me.
Therefore, let’s remember that how we think, we will act, consequently we will be. Let’s not allow defiling ideas define who we are. On the contrary, let’s examine ourselves every day to walk in righteousness, under the protection and mercy of the Almighty. Lastly, let’s remember the promise of our Lord: ‘For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.’ (Psalm 84:11, NKJV)
And if you have not accepted our Lord Jesus in your heart, or you want to reconcile your relationship with Him, I urge you to do it today and pray the following prayer out loud:
‘Lord Jesus, I ask you for forgiveness of my sins, for my sins separate me from you. I recognize you as my only, sufficient and truthful Saviour. I break every covenant with the world, with the flesh and with the enemy. I give you thanks for the sacrifice in the cross. I know if I were to die today, I will be in your arms. Amen.’
If you prayed this prayer today, write to me at kltapiahernandez@gmail.com, I would love to hear from you. And if this edified you, please share it with someone else. We are a family in Christ and we are here to help each other out. May God bless you!
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