Ancient Words For Today - 31
There is an interesting proverb in the Bible that says, "As he thinks in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7 It is the thoughts and desires of our heart that influence the things we say and do. If our thoughts are self-centered or evil, they tend to generate selfish and evil behavior. But if our thoughts are pure, upright and God-honoring, then selfless, loving and righteous deeds will follow.
King David's advice was to "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalm 37:4-6 In other words, if we delight ourselves in God, seeking to grow in our relationship with Him, and commit our way to Him, He will establish His desires in our heart, so that we will want to do those things that are pleasing to Him and He will transform our lives, bringing forth in us right motives, actions and sound judgment.
We also learn in the Psalms that we will be blessed as we follow the laws of God, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3 This verse promises that if we delight in God's laws and live accordingly, good fruit will come from our lives and we will prosper in all that we do.
We can better understand God's nature, learn what he says is right and good, and know His acceptable and perfect will for our lives if we study and meditate upon what God has said. Spending time studying the Word of God will help establish in our minds what God thinks, His righteous standards of right and wrong, and what He wants us to do.
God's Word also serves as a litmus test, helping us to understand our own motives and whether the things we think about and desire to do are pleasing to God. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Below are a few more passages of scripture concerning God's acceptable and perfect will for us. I pray as we read and think about them, God will clarify anything we don't understand and reveal any of our attitudes or behaviors that need changing.
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 1Thessalonians 4:3-9
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1Thessalonians 5:14-22
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 1 Peter 2:13-15
God bless and guide you as you meditate upon His word and delight to do His will.