Practical Holiness : Thought Life

Introduction

How can you be holy in your innermost thoughts? How does what you "consume" impact your spiritual life?

General Principle: "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Have you ever watched a movie, listened to a song, or read a book and found yourself dwelling on it later?

Have you ever found a movie (etc.) to have been a positive influence on your life?

Consider these situations:

Watching the new "Arnie" movie.

Watching the new romantic-comedy flick.

Reading the latest pop-fiction novel on the bestseller list

Endless hours of your favorite music playing in the background.

Verses

Matt 5:21-22, 27-28, 43-45

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. ... You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ... You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."

Rom 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Phil 4:4-9

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Col 3:15-17

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one BODYyou were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

1 Thess 5:19-22

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil."

James 1:13-15

"When tempted, no should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, but his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

1 Peter 2:1-3

"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

Thoughts on evaluating your "mental consumption"

Is this a good use of my time?

Would I be hesitant or ashamed to tell a close friend that I watched/read/listened to this?

Will this help strengthen my friendships? Can it help my witness?

Does this help my growth in Christ?

Does this help me to "think the thoughts of God"?

If I act on the thoughts caused by this, will my actions be pleasing to God?