I'm really thankful that my thoughts are hidden from others. I'm pretty sure there have been many times when the gist of what I was thinking was evident on my face or by my actions -- I've slammed a few doors in my time -- but thankfully my exact thoughts are known only to me and, of course, to the Lord.
Today I was especially thankful that mind reading exists only in fictional settings. Some of my thoughts this afternoon were less than charitable and definitely underlined my lack of patience with others. I am well aware that I probably wasn't the only one thinking unkind thoughts and I'm especially glad that I was blissfully ignorant of the unhappy thoughts my friends were no doubt thinking about me.
Even if the world can't discern my thoughts, God can, and I know he is both disappointed and disgusted by the mean, petty, and disparaging thoughts I entertain about family, friends, and complete strangers. Instead of seeking to emulate the mind of Christ and see others as the Lord sees them, I routinely reject Jesus' example of humility and attempt to elevate myself by demeaning and dismissing others. It doesn't matter that I do all of this without saying a word -- God hears the words that are in my mind and my heart and those words more accurately reflect my true character and spirit than the insincere words I speak aloud.
Thank goodness the Holy Spirit continues to prick my conscience with correction that leads to conviction. Thanks be to God for His Word to me in Scripture which provides instruction on how to live as a Christ-follower. Thank you Lord Jesus for paying the price for my sins so that you can one day present me, pure and spotless, to God the Father. I pray that each day both my words and my thoughts will be pleasing to you.
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