More Assumptions

I've been thinking more about this problem of our rapid propensity for jumping to assumptions. How do we do this 'taking every thought captive' (2 Cor 10:5) thing? 'T'aint easy, that's for sure. It has to begin with embedding Phil 4:8 into our thinking

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

I know, it's much easier quoted than done. But, it's our only hope. We have a choice. We can let our thoughts control us, or we can learn to control our thoughts. We have much more control over this process than we think or believe. One of the reasons I think is - we just don't like the effort and discipline that is involved. It's a wrestling match - just shear out hard work. It means we've got to take responsibility for what's flashing and floating about in our head. Imagine if a light could be shone through your ears and project your thoughts up on the wall. Yikes! None of us relish that idea. However, God is exposed to all our thoughts - scripture suggests that He sees and judges our motives based on our thoughts. James tells us that not all our thoughts are 'sin', but there is a point that it crosses a line from being a random 'pop-up', and begins to take root that lays the foundation for sin potential. In my Bible, I've written in the margin this old saying. I don't know who wrote it, or where it come from - although some have laid claim to it -- it goes like this;

Sow a thought, reap act
Sow a act, reap a habit
Sow a habit, Reap a Character
Sow a character, reap a destiny

That can go both ways. We can sow good thoughts and reap good acts leading to great habits that build our character and destiny. We can also let those little thoughts go unchecked, that are 'pleasing' for the moment - hidden and private - thoughts of anger, malice, revenge, bitterness, distrust - you create the list.

We create more of our own destiny's than we think - and it often finds it root in our thought life.

David the psalmist I think had this in mind when he wrote Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psa 51:10). God cleans, but it is our responsibility to get in tub - and use the soap - and stay out of the dirt.

Anyway, its just what I was thinking.