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Christ in All Our Thoughts, June 5
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my
thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in
the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23, 24
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Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over the thoughts and
imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon
profitable subjects. But if the thoughts are not properly employed, religion
cannot flourish in the soul. The mind must be preoccupied with sacred
and eternal things, or it will cherish trifling and superficial thoughts. Both
the intellectual and the moral powers must be disciplined, and they will ...
improve by exercise.
In order to understand this matter aright, we must remember that our
hearts are naturally depraved, and we are unable of ourselves to pursue
a right course. It is only by the grace of God, combined with the most
earnest effort on our part, that we can gain the victory. The intellect, as
well as the heart, must be consecrated to the service of God. He has claims
upon all there is of us.
Few believe that humanity has sunk so low as it has or that it is so
thoroughly bad, so desperately opposed to God, as it is.... When the mind
is not under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Satan can mold it as
he chooses. All the rational powers which he controls he will carnalize.
He is directly opposed to God in his tastes, views, preferences, likes and
dislikes, choice of things and pursuits; there is no relish for what God
loves or approves, but a delight in those things which He despises....
If Christ is abiding in the heart, He will be in all our thoughts. Our
deepest thoughts will be of Him, His love, His purity. He will fill all the
chambers of the mind. Our affections will center about Jesus. All our
hopes and expectations will be associated with Him. To live the life we
now live by faith in the Son of God, looking forward to and loving His
appearing, will be the soul’s highest joy. He will be the crown of our
rejoicing.
Those who have trained the mind to delight in spiritual exercises are
the ones who can be translated and not be overwhelmed with the purity
and transcendent glory of heaven.
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