Christ in All Our Thoughts

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 14
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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Christ in All Our Thoughts

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and
see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting. Ps. 139:23, 24.

Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over the thoughts and
imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon
profitable subjects. But if the thoughts are not properly employed,
religion cannot flourish in the soul. The mind must be preoccupied with
sacred and eternal things, or it will cherish trifling and superficial
thoughts. Both the intellectual and the moral powers must be
disciplined, and they will . . improve by exercise.

In order to understand this matter aright, we must remember that our
hearts are naturally depraved, and we are unable of ourselves to pursue
a right course. It is only by the grace of God, combined with the most
earnest effort on our part, that we can gain the victory. The intellect,
as well as the heart, must be consecrated to the service of God. He has
claims upon all there is of us.

Few believe that humanity has sunk so low as it has or that it is so
thoroughly bad, so desperately opposed to God, as it is. . . . When the
mind is not under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Satan can
mold it as he chooses. All the rational powers which he controls he will
carnalize. He is directly opposed to God in his tastes, views,
preferences, likes and dislikes, choice of things and pursuits; there is
no relish for what God loves or approves, but a delight in those things
which He despises. . . . 

If Christ is abiding in the heart, He will be in all our thoughts. Our
deepest thoughts will be of Him, His love, His purity. He will fill all
the chambers of the mind. Our affections will center about Jesus. All
our hopes and expectations will be associated with Him. To live the life
we now live by faith in the Son of God, looking forward to and loving
His appearing, will be the soul's highest joy. He will be the crown of
our rejoicing.
Those who have trained the mind to delight in spiritual exercises are
the ones who can be translated and not be overwhelmed with the purity
and transcendent glory of heaven.

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 154, 155.