Spiritual Thinking

There are various aspects of human intellect all of which we take for granted. As I’m getting older my memory seems to be a more active function, rehashing memories, recalling some long forgotten episodes and trying to remember where I left things, now considered lost. In our professions and work we use analysis, reasoning, problem-solving, argument, logic and more. Emotions seem to move in and out of our various thoughts, adding another dimension to our thinking. 

All things pertaining to God involve faith. This is the test, the power connection, the evidence of things unseen. We must grow and mature in faith, such that we “hear” God’s voice; distinguish between worldly and Spiritual inclinations and live in love, rather than temporal urges and desires. Yeshua’s prayers and teaching described Believers as being “in” Him as He was “in” Father God. A major function of His ministry was to open the way to God through His sacrifice and by His impartation of the Holy Spirit. Yeshua’s brothers said to him, “No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”…Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.” (John 7:4, 6) This is an illustration of worldly thinking.

Yeshua spent much time in prayer. Is this a way to set our minds on God’s will and ways and turn from worldly motivations? In the movie, “Chariots of Fire” the main characters are Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell. Eric was a ministry student and stated, “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” Harold was not a believer and was running for selfish reasons. In the end Eric found satisfaction and happiness, while Harold was disappointed even with success. It is based on a true story that contrasts Spiritual versus worldly motivations. 

As hard as we might try, it is impossible to fully control our thoughts or tongue. “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6) However, what is impossible for man is possible with God. As we wait, submit and spend time in prayer, God will lead us and teach us His ways. Let it be when we hear worldly thinking, we recognize it, without reply, but thankful it has not come from our mouth.