What 'Cha Thinkin'?

My Utmost For His Highest

'Practical work for Christians is greatly overemphasized today, and the saints who are “bringing every thought [and project] into captivity” are criticized and told that they are not determined, and that they lack zeal for God or zeal for the souls of others. But true determination and zeal are found in obeying God, not in the inclination to serve Him that arises from our own undisciplined human nature. It is inconceivable, but true nevertheless, that saints are not “bringing every thought [and project] into captivity,” but are simply doing work for God that has been instigated by their own human nature, and has not been made spiritual through determined discipline.

We have a tendency to forget that a person is not only committed to Jesus Christ for salvation, but is also committed, responsible, and accountable to Jesus Christ’s view of God, the world, and of sin and the devil. This means that each person must recognize the responsibility to “be transformed by the renewing of [his] mind. . . .” (Romans 12:2).' CHAMBERS

Taking every thought captive .. That is such a challenge isn't it?  Well, it is for me.  If it is every thought and not just some thoughts it is a constant challenge.  To remain faithful to the life that we have in Jesus.  To remember that we are not to yield ourselves to our old nature .. but to the new one.  That what ever comes into our mind must be filtered through the truth of the Word.  It requires our constant attention.  

The Word says to 'be alert' in Mark 13:33, Ephesians 6:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Peter 5:8.  We are to be like watchmen on the wall.  Constantly aware. The punishment for sleeping on duty is severe .. why? because when we are asleep, not paying attention, the enemy can come in .. those thoughts that would quench the Spirit will accomplish their purpose ... We will be diverted because our thinking has been subverted.  

We should not be content with doing good works as if that were the end in itself ... the chief end of man is to bring glory to God ... the work is to be a reflection of the inner man .. not the sum total of who I am.  I must have the mind of Christ to accomplish the work of Christ .... Ephesians 2:10 - We are God's workmanship .... created in Christ to do good works .. which God has prepared for us ... be careful about taking credit for what God has planned and prepared ...  Malachi 3:8 asks the question "Will a man rob God?"  The context is for tithes and offerings .. oh, so you say that is about money ... no ... when you take credit for something that God has done, you steal a praise offering from Him.  

Give God the credit ... guard your heart and mind ... be alert ... and let your light shine ...

Bondye Beni Nou