Today’s Devotion
Topic: Why Do You Entertain Evil Thoughts In Your Heart?
Text: Matthew 9: 1- 4
1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to His own town. 2 Some men brought to Him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” 4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Amen
When we enter our “mind’s world”, we sometimes explore several ‘deadly’ and unacceptable thoughts, plans and strategies. This is so because we know whatever goes on in the mind is private and personal. No one can easily tell what went on there a moment ago and what’s going on now.
The mind sometimes becomes the safest hide out, playground and incubator for evil especially for those who have perfected the art of concealing the state of the mind from the constitution of the face. They may smile with you but in their minds, you are no where near a friend to them.
It is therefore very scary if someone, anyone, can perceive your thoughts. When he/ she can break your minds door and expose all what goes on in there; both the good and bad. This is because YOU ARE THE THINGS YOU THINK ABOUT AND NOT WHAT YOU PRETEND TO BE. Therefore do not entertain evil thoughts in your mind.
But wait a minute, how did we even arrive at the conclusion that the activities of the mind are private, when we know that aren’t at all. There is a great God in heaven who perceives through the facade. He knows when we sit down or stand up. He knows our thoughts even when we are far away. He knows what we are going to say even before we say it. (Psalm 139: 2, 4). He brings to light what is hidden in darkness and exposes the motives of the heart (1 Cor 4: 5).
Therefore do not entertain evil thoughts in your mind. For it will find a way to influence who YOU ARE and you will eventually become what you have been thinking. Rather, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom 12: 2).
Begin to pray now and submit your thoughts to the will of God. Ask that the mind of Christ dwells richly in you so your ways can please the Lord. By prayer, stop the lust, greed, pride, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred and revenge at the mind level before they enter your heart and corrupt your entire body with evil, untill you have become very evil.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS.” (Philippians 4:8).
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