Our thought-life matters. It not only affects our attitude, but it also
our actions. Jesus tells his disciples
that they are to observe the birds and the fields (Matthew 6:25-33). His main purpose in giving this command is
not for us to be environmentalist, but that we will keep our vision of life in
perspective. If God takes care of the
birds and the fields, and if we are more valuable to God than the birds and the
field, than how much more will God take care of us? Therefore, worry is useless, and it also distracts
us from what deserves our attention; the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:33). If you are struggling with anxiety, take some
time to follow Jesus’s command: Focus on God’s Kingdom, and trust that God will
take care of you.
The decision to focus on the Kingdom of
God not only affects our behavior, but it also affects our actions. Notice the flow of Peter’s argument in 1st
Peter 1:13-16. He commands us to pay
attention and set our hope on the grace that will be given to us at the return
of Christ, and then he draws the conclusion that if we are focused on the
return of Jesus than our lifestyle will be holy.
What we think about
matters. Therefore, let us be careful
what we put into our minds, whether it is foolish counsel, gossip, mindless
television shows, or impure music lyrics.
What you put into your minds affects your outlook on life, your
attitude, and your actions. Wouldn’t it
be better to be like the tree planted by the rivers of waters that brings forth
fruit in its season (Psalm 1).
