Thoughts Need a Standard!
We live our lives encountering countless thoughts. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning until we fall asleep at night, we constantly think, judge, and make decisions. These thoughts we hold in our hearts determine our words and actions, and ultimately shape our values and worldview.
So, how should we manage these thoughts? What standard should we use to live with correct thinking? Also, how can we check and know that we are thinking correctly?
As Christians, we must make the Bible the standard for our thinking. This is because the Bible is not just a story of the past, but a living word of God that gives clear guidance to us who live today.
The Bible tells us who God is and what standards He has set. Just as the Bible says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), we must be able to look at the world and think correctly through the unchanging word of God, not the changing standards of the world.
If the standard keeps changing, it only causes confusion. The world is exactly like that now. The standard given by the good God does not change. The standard set by God has never changed.
As the Bible says, "All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16), the original author of the Bible is one God. Therefore, it is very important to discover God's consistent will throughout the Bible.
So how can we set the standard of our thinking through the Bible? First, we must meditate on God's word every day. Psalm 1:2 says that the blessed person delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. We need time to meditate, not only reading and listening to the word, but also thinking deeply about its meaning and applying it to our lives. By meditating on the word, we can realize God's will and align our thoughts with God's thoughts.
Second, we must seek the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches us what we need when we live in this world and reminds us of it through the word. That is why the Holy Spirit is called the "Advocate." It means that He protects us, gives us grace, and teaches us. The Holy Spirit leads us into the truth, helps us understand God's word, and helps us to think correctly. So we must always seek the help of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, third, we must accept God's word into our hearts with a humble heart. James advises in chapter 1 verse 21: "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." It means that we must accept God's word with a humble heart, not with a critical view. Even if it is different from your own thoughts, if you acknowledge that God's word is truth, Christians need an attitude of believing and obeying. The Bible is not a simple book that delivers knowledge. It is the word of God, which is powerful enough to change our lives.
Through the Bible, we must set the standard of our thinking correctly and live the life that God wants. In a chaotic world, we must strive to protect our thoughts and hearts through the unchanging truth of the Bible. I hope this column will help readers find the standard of thinking in the Bible and live with healthy thoughts.