In a culture that emphasises feelings and experience, do we stop to consider the accountability of thinking? Have we overlooked the importance thinking plays in living, worship and obedience to God, instead choosing to emphasise silence, meditation in the mindless void and the cessation of thinking? Have we become lost without thought?

Think about what God has done

Thinking is essential to worship because worship involves active recall.  “Do this in remembrance of me.” In the Lord’s Supper, we experience the sensation of eating and drinking and engage our thoughts on the atoning sacrifice of Christ. I think of the weird words in an old hymn, “Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by thy help I’ve come.” God calls us to Ebenezer. Remember what He has done for you in the past so that you can turn your heart to trust Him for the future. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12)

Think about what God has said

The secret to fearless, successful living is the ever-presence of God. But how can I be assured God is with me so I can stop being an anxious failure? Should I feel His presence? Honestly, I don’t. And if I don’t, I assume I’m not alone. So feeling God isn’t reassurring! What reassures us is meditating on the words of God. Engaging in thought about what God says. Just once a day? Only when we are having a rough time? No! To live confidently and with success at godly living, we must be thinking about God’s words ALL the time.  “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)

Think about this

We are held accountable for what we think because our thoughts determines self. The sum of who you are is what we call your character. Thinking is at the heart of character, because thinking creates your attitude. Attitude motivates actions (behavior). Actions become habits (actions without thinking). Habits determine character. Notice in Joshua 1:8, the progression reflects this pattern.  Continual speaking and thinking on the law of God leads to practicing the law of God, which leads to a person who is prosperous and successful at the law of God. Thinking>Actions>Character

Our minds are at the spiritual center of our being. God doesn’t ask us to empty our thoughts, but to direct our thoughts to finding Him.