“And then He added, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.’” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT)
How many times have you said, or heard someone say, “Why did I do that? What was I thinking?” In the verses above Jesus gives us a very scary look into our own heart and life when He says: ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you.” The word that’s used here is the Greek word “dialogismos – dee-al-og-is-mos.” Most often when we think of “dialog” we think of a conversation between two or more people.
As it’s used in this verse it literally means: “the thinking of a man deliberating with himself.” I’ve said dozens of times “What we think about comes about!” The secret ponderings about which no one knows but us and God can lead to something really good or really bad. Solomon said it this way in Proverbs 23:7: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
What you think about is vitally important to the development of the person you’re becoming. Why do you think we’re often instructed in Scripture to meditate on God’s Word. Joshua reminds us in 1:8: “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
We may think of it as “daydreaming” or the proverbial “passing fancy,” but what for one person leads to a life of accomplishment through hard work and ingenuity, may lead someone else to a life of crime and debauchery. As believers our goal is to become more and more like Jesus, who, of course, was perfect. But how can we possibly do that? One thought at a time!
Pastor and Author Craig Groeschel wrote: “Your life is always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts.” In your most vulnerable moments, when no one’s around, where does your mind go? Wherever that is, your life will soon follow. Does being by yourself lead to a desire to reach for God’s Word, turn on the TV, or dig into social media?
And please don’t hear what I’m not saying – we all need “down time” to watch a movie, take a nap, or head out with friends for a bite. But as with anything else, it’s not so much what we do or don’t do that frames us, it’s why we do or don’t do it. We can go to church every time the doors are open and if our heart’s not right it won’t make an ounce of difference.
When I was first in ministry, I used to say to the kids in the youth group: “You can live, eat, and sleep in a garage, but it will never make you a car.” Geography, while it can contribute positively to your life, won’t shape your future, only your thoughts can do that.
What do you want to accomplish as a child of God? What are your dreams regarding how God might use you? I dream of every person in every house in my neighborhood living fruitfully as a child of the living God. I dream of people I love chasing after the heart of God rather than more material junk. I dream of faithfully loving and serving my wife “until death do us part.” I dream of being in the arms of Jesus and hearing those words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
What you think about really matters, that’s why it’s so vitally important that you immerse yourself in God’s Word, meditating upon His promises, contemplating how best to love and serve Him, paying very close attention to your strongest thoughts.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 