THE WAY A CHRISTIAN SHOULD THINK
King Solomon said, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prv. 4:23).
The heart is the source of all thoughts. Like an army’s captain, the heart gives us instructions, controlling our actions and speech. The Lord Jesus Christ said:
Matt. 12:34-35 34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
The mind and thoughts of the people during Noah’s time were wicked and evil. As such, God destroyed the earth and the people with flood, except Noah’s family of eight.
Gen. 6:5, 13 5And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 13And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Since our thoughts (whether good or evil) are directly related to God’s blessings and curses, should we not pay attention to our thoughts then? Therefore, the topic “The Way A Christian Should Think” is indeed important. May the Holy Spirit guide us to search the Scriptures and draw lessons from the Bible on the way a Christian should think.
1) Ponder Over The Words Of God
God encourages Joshua, saying:
Josh. 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
The Word of God is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). Sometimes our paths may not be prosperous and our works may not be successful because we have not meditated on God’s words. Hence, we do not understand God’s will and fail to walk in His Way. Consequently, we have missed out on receiving much blessings of God. That is why we should be like Mary, who pondered over God’s words constantly.
Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
We should be like the cattle or sheep that chew cud constantly. This means that we must meditate on God’s words continuously. This will enable us to realise that the words of God are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. The Psalmist said:
Ps. 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Ps. 119:97-100 97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
If a Christian continues to meditate on God’s perfect law and precious words wisely, his feet will depart from every evil way and he will hate every false way, thus preventing him from sinning against God.
Ps. 119:11, 101, 128 11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. 128Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
He will consistently bear fruits in his season, glorifying God.
Ps. 1:2-3 2But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
We should strive to preach the truth, fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life through the Word of God.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
1Tim. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
2) Ponder About The Lord Jesus Christ
Heb. 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
It is hard to forget our loved ones. If we love someone, we will think about him all the time. Parents will worry about their children’s safety if they fail to return home after school or play. Husbands who travel abroad will miss their wives at home. These emotions are normal as the greater the love is, the greater the longing would be. Therefore, if we love the Lord Jesus Christ, we should think about Him constantly and love Him all the time.
~ We must ponder on the poverty of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2Cor. 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
The Lord Jesus Christ was born to Joseph, a carpenter who lived in poverty. When the Lord Jesus Christ was ministering on earth, He needed the disciples to sustain His livelihood (Luke 8:1-3). There were times when the Lord Jesus Christ did not have enough money to pay taxes (Matt. 17:24-27). He said, “…Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Luke 9:58).
Today, we should learn to be contented with our lot in life when we think of the poverty of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should imitate Paul who was contented with his state of life regardless of whether he was poor, full, hungry, in abundance or lacking.
Phil. 4:11-12 11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
~ We should ponder on the humility and sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Phil. 2:6-9 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Isa. 53: 4-5 4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
We should be determined not to live for ourselves anymore, but to live for the Lord Jesus Christ who died for us. As the love of the Lord Jesus Christ has stirred us, how can we continue to be neither cold nor hot, and not offer our body and soul to repay His grace? Our hearts will receive great comfort, encouragement and happiness if we always ponder about the Lord Jesus Christ’s poverty, humility, sufferings and sacrifices.
3) Ponder About Virtuous People
Men often pinpoint other people’s faults and weaknesses, but the Holy Spirit tells us to ponder more about other people’s virtues.
Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
We should ponder over the good values exhibited by believers of old who had the Holy Spirit. These include Abraham’s faith and love, Isaac’s obedience and gentleness, Job’s long suffering, David’s love for God and the people and Paul’s bravery and tolerance of hardships. We should think about the way they conducted themselves, having full assurance of faith, love, strong hope and virtues. Then, our belief and the way we handle matters will greatly improve.
Heb. 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
We should learn from all the good examples mentioned above, and ponder over their good works every day so that we can live our lives according to the examples they had set.
Jas. 5:10-11 10Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
4) Ponder Over Evilness
People are good at covering up their hideousness and faults. We may try to avoid thinking about a mistake that we have made. However, a single mistake may result in an inevitable ill consequence for our whole life. Therefore, let us always reflect on our wrongdoings daily and take heed in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Mark 14: 71-72 71But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.72And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Peter wept bitterly after having denied the Lord Jesus Christ three times. Nevertheless, Peter learnt from his mistake and was determined to turn over a new leaf. He became a very obedient and brave servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the good fruit that Peter bore after he pondered over his evilness.
Acts 4:8up, 13, 19-20 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,…13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Acts 5:29-32 29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Today, we live in an evil world. Hence, it is not easy for people to realise that they have done wrong. Even when they realise their wrongdoings, they will try to avoid pondering over them. Therefore, God has set tribulations, diseases and adversities on them so that they will ponder over their evilness, and repent from their wrongdoings. It is indeed a great blessing if one is able to think of his sins during his tribulations as God wants to prevent people from falling into the wretched situation of death.
Eccl. 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider:
Ps. 119:59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
We should always ponder the works and doings of God whether we are in prosperity, adversity, peace or tribulation.
Ps. 77:12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
We will receive blessings and be made partakers of His holiness through God’s loving chastisement.
Heb. 12:5-11 5And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Let us ponder Asaph’s psalm:
Ps. 77:5-12 5I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. 6I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. 7Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? 8Is his mercy clean gone for ever? Doth his promise fail for evermore? 9Hath God forgotten to be gracious?hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. 10And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. 11I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
5) Ponder About The Glory Of The Heavenly Kingdom
Rom. 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
It is usual that not everything will be done according to our wishes. In this turbulent and chaotic period that we live in, how many occasions and happenings are of our wishes? How many people are happy? Just as what Paul said:
Rom. 8:22-23 22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
We live in this world of travail, sorrows and vanity. Thus, we would have added much more sorrow, sighing and despair to ourselves if we do not always ponder about the glory of the heavenly kingdom to comfort our hearts. Let us ponder what the Lord Jesus Christ has said concerning the glory of the heavenly kingdom. He said:
John 14:1-3 1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
There, “God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Rev. 21:3-4 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
“There shall be no night” in the holy city and the city has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it; because she is filled with the glory of God and her light is like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. (Rev. 21:10-27)
Rev. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev. 14:1-5 1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Rev. 14:12-13 12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
The world shall grow old like a garment, and be folded up; and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
Heb. 1:10-12 10And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 11They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
2Pet. 3:7, 10 7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
All the things in the world will melt after being consumed by fire when the Lord Jesus Christ comes again. Hence, we must preserve our holiness and godliness, and look forward to the fulfilment of God’s promised new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.
2Pet. 3:11-13 11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
May all Christians ponder over these things every day and live their remaining days on earth vigilantly.
(Extracted from: The Holy Spirit Times 1963 – Issue No. 150)