This blog, in the line of consistency, centers on the thought life of believers in Jesus Christ. The thought life is very important because it influences what manifests in our lives. The Bible tells us that as a man thinks so he is (Proverbs 23:7). We see this in scripture from the Israelites who left Egypt and had received a promise from God to lead them and establish them in a good land. The men who were sent to spy out the land were given the instruction to, “See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak … (Numbers 13:18)”. Despite the power of God that they had experienced in their exodus from Egypt, the mindset of some of them was negatively impacted by thoughts of doubt which then manifested in how they were viewed by the occupants of the land at that time. They reported back saying, “.. we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight (Numbers 13:33).” Imagine if they had viewed themselves as the people of the Almighty God and rightful owners of the land.

Additionally, scripture details the experience of the Apostle Peter who was the first man to walk on water in response to the call of Jesus but upon getting distracted and considering the strong winds, began to sink. Jesus then tells him, “… why did you doubt? (Matthew 12:22-33)”

As co-heirs with Christ, we have an identity and precious promises in His word that are bound to be fulfilled by God. Keeping our thought life aligned to His promises is not something we can do on our own. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit who empowers us not to lose sight of the promises and thus leave our place of faith. We are able to counter any thoughts of doubt as soon as they arise because He empowers us to “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).” And as the Holy Spirit continues to enable us in building consistency in this, it results in a pattern and example for fellow believers and non-believers to be exhorted by our lives (Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:2-3).

But My righteous one [the one justified by faith] shall live by faith [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him]; and if he draws back [shrinking in fear], My soul has no delight in him. But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul. – Hebrews 10:38-39

The Amplified Bible

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. – Philippians 4:8

The New King James Version Bible