…they go out for a stroll through my mouth. This is rarely a good thing.
This quote that the thoughts in my head get so bored that they take a stroll through my mouth is meant to give a chuckle. However, a lack of control over our thoughts and speech isn’t funny when it causes us to think and say things that are harmful to ourselves and others.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
Prior to becoming a Christian, I had little control over the thoughts in my head and my speech. My thoughts controlled me and consequently, I said and did many hurtful things that I’ve since asked God and others to forgive.
But, since becoming a Christian, God has taught me that I don’t have to entertain every thought or speak every idle word. I can ask the Holy Spirit to help me to think right thoughts and choose right words to speak.
In all honesty, it’s still a struggle and I am definitely a work in progress.
I have discovered that it’s usually when thoughts in my head get bored and wander that I can get into trouble. In fact, I’m often surprised when I take the time to think about my thoughts.
But, both you and I can change with God’s help. The Holy Spirit can govern our thoughts and the result is life and peace.
Romans 8:6 says,
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (NIV)
Christians are in a battle for our minds and in addition to the Holy Spirit, God has given us specific tools to help us with our thoughts.
Ephesians 6:17-18 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (NIV)
When we focus our thoughts on the good news of our salvation in Christ we can protect our minds and think right thoughts.
Fighting temptation using the sword of the Spirit or the Word of God helps to defeat the enemy. We have the example of Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV) when He said, “It is written” and then He used an appropriate Bible verse to combat temptation.
It is also vitally important to pray for protection against the temptation of the flesh, the world and the devil.
Also, we need to cooperate with God in the process of renewing our minds to think right thoughts, as Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”(NKJV)
God helps us to renew our minds as we spend time reading, meditating and memorizing Scripture.
Further, 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”(NIV)
I can be proactive by taking control of intrusive and unwanted thoughts and making the thoughts in my head obedient to Christ.
The Bible lists the right thoughts for us to think about in Philippians 4:8:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV)
In addition to thinking right thoughts, it is equally important to choose the right words to speak.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NIV)
Our words are powerful and we can speak life to others.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”(NIV)
Our words can build others up and benefit them as well.
Do you struggle with your thoughts?
Do you sometimes say things that you regret?
Your comments are welcome! You can leave a comment below.
Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!
Sometimes the thoughts in my head get so bored they go out for a stroll through my mouth. | CLICK TO TWEET
Additional resources about related subjects on this site:
NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth