The Faith I Live By

Security Only in Right Thinking, August 4

First Things First

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23. FLB 222.1

As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. Many thoughts make up the unwritten history of a single day; and these thoughts have much to do with the formation of character. Our thoughts are to be strictly guarded; for one impure thought makes a deep impression on the soul. An evil thought leaves an evil impress on the mind. If the thoughts are pure and holy, the man is better for having cherished them. By them the spiritual pulse is quickened, and the power for doing good is increased. And as one drop of rain prepares the way for another in moistening the earth, so one good thought prepares the way for another.^{14Messages to Young People, 144.} FLB 222.2

Wrong habits of thought, when once accepted, become a despotic power that fastens the mind as in a grasp of steel.^{15Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 402.} FLB 222.3

The thoughts are not to be allowed to run riot. They must be restrained, brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Let them be placed upon holy things. Then, through the grace of Christ, they will be pure and true. We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking.^{16The Ministry of Healing, 491.} FLB 222.4

Our minds take the level of the things on which our thoughts dwell, and if we think upon earthly things, we shall fail to take the impress of that which is heavenly. We would be greatly benefited by contemplating the mercy, goodness, and love of God; but we sustain great loss by dwelling upon those things which are earthly and temporal.^{17SDA Bible Commentary 6:1100.} FLB 222.5

Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with Heaven.^{18Steps to Christ, 99.} FLB 222.6