I
love to have pretty belongings around me, but I like to find them by treasure
hunting in a thrift store rather than in the mall. The value of the dollar
stretches much further in a flea market than in a chain store. I find greater
value, however, in storing up treasures in Heaven rather than here on this
earth (Matthew 6:19-21). I treasure God’s presence
even more than any presents the world has to offer.
Out
of our heart flow the issues of life (Proverbs
4:23).
God instructs us in multiple verses throughout the Bible that the motivation
for our thoughts, words and deeds should come from the spiritual, rather than
the earthly realm. These verses encourage us to walk in the Spirit and not to
fulfill the desires of our flesh (Galatians
5:16). They
stress that our thoughts are as important as our actions (Proverbs 16:3).
Even popular motivational authors and speakers encourage us to wisely choose our thoughts and words, because they are very powerful (Proverbs 18:21). We can follow Paul’s
advice. He tells us to think only on concepts that are true, honest, righteous,
pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). If your thoughts do not measure up to this standard,
discard them and think positive thoughts instead. The secret to keeping our mind and thoughts in perfect peace is to keep our focus on God (Isaiah 26:3).
God wants us to guard our thoughts, as well as our words and actions (Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 34:13; 1 Corinthians 6:13). When Satan plants temptation in our mind, which He often does, what will we do? Will we act on it and sin, or will we submit to God and resist the devil, so Satan will flee from us (James 4:7)? With Salvation, God encourages us to put on the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:15-16). As we live by His Spirit’s direction, He blesses us abundantly with every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
God wants us to learn to
forgive the shortcomings in our self and others, as well as to use the gifts,
which He gives us. This takes courage. God has a perfect plan for each of us.
He opens doors for us that no one can close. As we walk in His will, He blesses
us abundantly above all that we can even request or think. As we enjoy the
unique calling God gives us, we use our gifts for His glory. We have to ask ourself
if we are willing to live as the treasure that God created us to be.
Prayer:
Father God, You want to
direct our life by Your Holy Spirit. You want us to allow the Holy Spirit to
infuse our thoughts, words and deeds. Help us to live in the Spirit and to walk
in the Spirit, as we cherish Your family and
share our testimony with the world around us. Fellowship with
other Believers is the life-blood of Your Body. Everything else
on earth fades when compared to the privilege of living as Your child.
Thought
for the Day:
When
we allow God’s thoughts to permeate our thoughts, we have mastered life.