Positive thinking is one of the keys to attaining goodness, or moral excellence. That which occupies our mind will be seen in our speech and actions. God looks into our heart to know what sort of person we are. Jesus said, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). A wise man wrote, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Prov. 4:23). In his joyful letter, Paul wrote, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). In this verse, the word excellent translates the word for goodness that Peter uses in 2 Peter 1:3, 5.
One may try to excuse negative, unacceptable thought and action by pleading that he has no control over what dwells in his mind. That is folly. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Pet. 1:13). Let us pray with the Psalmist, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psa. 19:14). Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
