October 24, 2025

Minding Your Thoughts

A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life

Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

This is the fifth and final time in the New Testament wherein it is recorded that Jesus knew the thoughts of others. Among Bible believers the number five is associated with grace. This is something to think about. Because the thoughts of one’s mind are so contrary to the Holy, Righteous, and Perfect thoughts of the Lord, grace is very much needed. Stated another way, it is only the grace of God that allows Him to know our thoughts without annihilating us for those thoughts.

The thoughts of doubt, fear, worry, sin, lust, envy, hatred and the like abide in the mind of each and every person. Yes, these can be brought under control, and even forsaken, but somehow, someway, and sometimes they creep back. A preacher of yesteryear stated that if a man could be locked up for his thoughts he would be incarcerated ten times a day.

Consider this example. The Lord said in Matthew 5:22, But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:… This being the case, and the Lord knowing all thoughts, He will know if someone is angry with a brother without a cause. Therefore, their just reward is to be brought into judgment (found guilty). But praise the Lord! His grace is greater than sinful thoughts. Because of His grace He can wade through the filth that abides in the minds of fallen man and help them overcome wrong thoughts.

Some may say that this devotion is flawed and the connection with the Lord knowing our thoughts and His grace is improper. That may be so, but one thing is certain: if the thoughts of any person were to be examined by the spotlight of God’s infinite holiness, blemishes would be found, and that in abundance. At that time that person’s only assurance against condemnation is the grace of Almighty God.

May the Lord bless and be pleased with your thought life today.

Dr. William Howe