Ted Lowe talks about how our thoughts are not our actions or attitudes. However, they do inform and shape what both will become. The way we think inclines us toward a way of being. It’s easy to look at Scripture and think that it only tells us how to speak or act, but the truth is, there is so much in God’s Word that urges us to be aware of our thoughts.
Isaiah says that where we direct our thoughts determines how much peace we experience: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Paul echoes this exact sentiment in Romans 8:6 (NLT): “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” The English Standard Version uses the expression “to set the mind on” fleshly, negative things. This an interesting way to think about it. The mind may feel like it’s constantly wandering with or without our consent, kind of like drifting off to sleep when you just can’t keep your eyes open. But we have been given the power to set our minds on different things, like setting an alarm clock that awakens us to right ways of thinking each day.
We don’t have to be a slave to our own mind. God’s Spirit promises to help us break free from old thought patterns if we will lean into his grace and his ways over time. It certainly begins with honesty about our thought struggles, but it doesn’t end there. God doesn’t leave us to our own devices. He doesn’t ask sick people to perform their own surgeries. No, he is at work in us:
“God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” - Philippians 2:13 NLT
You see, he doesn’t just work to alter our behaviors. His deepest work is seen in transforming our thoughts, motivations, and desires, so that ultimately we become like Christ. He knows that if we allow him to fully release our potential, we can do incredible things for his kingdom. He doesn’t want us to be complacent or resigned to an insignificant life. There is so much more he wants to give us if we will say yes to the hard work of soul change.
Jesus knew what his disciples were thinking and talked with them about it. He didn’t leave them alone to think and do the wrong things. He challenged them because he knew that their thoughts were important enough to be known, evaluated, and, when necessary, completely changed. He wants the same for us. Our thoughts should mirror his: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). But who can do such a thing—you know, think like Jesus thinks?
No one can, without some help that is. It’s a good thing we have the Holy Spirit, our Helper, who is by far a better helper than the “helper” I thought I was to Dave. God’s Word shows us exactly how our thoughts can be changed:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.” - Philippians 4:8
Now that’s a direct statement that removes all ambiguity and doubt about what we should do. We often think that being told what to do brings confinement, but in actuality, when we trust the One who is being direct with us because we truly believe he knows better than us, it brings complete freedom. When we know exactly what we’re supposed to do, we can stop all the angst and wasted time pondering what we should do. Instead, we are granted the grace of clarity: Hey you—yes, you there under the pile of laundry. Right now, I want you to think about these things, not those other things. Also, next time, don’t forget the dryer sheets.
The New Testament in Modern English (PHILLIPS) uses the phrase “fix your minds” in Philippians 4:8—an interesting internal image of intentionally affixing your mind to concepts and ideas that are not already there. It is the difference between lying back and letting the currents of your naturally negative thoughts take you where they will or grabbing a rope thrown to you by a passing boat.
The boat is Spirit-led thinking that counters the currents of negativity all around you. Holding tightly to the rope is an intentional act that requires only the grip strength of a simple faith that takes hold over and over again. In the end, the boat is doing the real work—that is, the Spirit leads us into right thinking if we will only fix our minds on his ways. The coolest part? When we are pulled against the current by a power greater and faster than our own, we rise above the waves as the resistance of God-based positive thinking causes us to ski on the surface of negativity all around us.
Excerpted with permission from How to Speak Life to Your Husband, by Ann Wilson. Copyright 2025, Zondervan.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Dima Berlin
