Dr. Wayne Dyer a motivational speaker said: “As you think, so shall you be.” He taught that people could think what they wish to become in their imagination or fantasy or hallucination; they will become as they desire. However, the Bible teaches that the Christian Mind is a renewed mind. (Romans 12:2) Paul writes that all thoughts, arguments, and opinions that are against Lord Jesus Christ, are brought captive. “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (II Corinthians 10:5) God weighs our thoughts and judges us. (Proverbs 21:2) Instead disciples should meditate God’s word day and night. (Psalms 1:1-3) Paul gives eight aspects of thoughts when he writes to Philippians.
1) True: Lord Jesus is the Truth. (John 14:6) Disciples should buy the truth and sell it not. (Proverbs 23:23) Satan likes to plant lies in our minds. Sometimes doubt about God, His attributes, and His Word as he did to Eve. (Genesis 3:1-5) Sadly, contemporary society has scant regard for truth. Hence it is termed as post-trust society.
2) Honourable: There are honourable or noble; means morally right, spiritually right and ethically right. Instead of a crooked or criminal mindset, we should think what is right.
3) Just: Thoughts should be about justice, righteousness. Unrighteous thoughts of vengeance, revenge, bitterness are dangerous for spiritual health.
4) Lovely: Pleasing, agreeable and attractive thoughts are lovely thoughts.
5) Pure: Wicked look with evil intentional and sexual thoughts are sin. (Matthew 5:28) Thoughts should be holy, as pleasing to God.
6) Commendable: Thoughts that are of good repute. Such thoughts could be shared that bring inspiration, motivation and encouragement to others.
7) Excellent: Super thoughts, lofty thoughts, higher thoughts, and things that are above. (Colossians 3:1) Such thoughts are rooted in faith in God and His Word.
8) Worthy of Praise: Thoughts that would bring praise to God. Even the world should recognize these thoughts, ideas and works are worthy of praise.
Are my thoughts captive to Lord Jesus Christ?