“You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” The words of Martin Luther teach us a valuable lesson about our ability to denounce evil thoughts.
Thoughts have the ability to turn the condition of our hearts. While we may not be able to control the thoughts that come to our mind, we can decide not to dwell on the dishonorable ones.
When dishonorable thoughts linger, our minds become tainted and our heart is soon to follow. The heart—left unchecked—leads to fowl actions. Philippians 4:8 reminds us of this, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if thereis any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
Focus on the fruit.
We must learn to filter our thoughts—consume the good and throw away the bad. Our failure to relinquish and extinguish useless thoughts will cause us to become what we think.
Let’s get into the habit of affirming the positive. Let’s speak those things as though they were. Let’s seek out the brighter side and look for the treasure among the rubble.
Begin to monitor your thoughts and change your habits. Focus on things that bring light, love, and laughter.