“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7
I love the book of Proverbs. Just think about it for a second. Most of this book was written by a dad who just wanted to teach his son how to live a successful life in the world. Good, clear, solid words of wisdom. No grey areas. Sound familiar? Don’t we all want that for someone we love? Solomon was known to be the wisest king who ever ruled. Why? Because He asked God for help. He asked Him for an understanding heart to rule the people. For wisdom, to know good versus evil. So my thinking is, if Proverbs was written by the wisest king ever it probably has some good advice.
Let’s look again at what he says in the verse above. He means that what we think eventually flows into our heart and changes us. Therefore, the answer to the question above is, yes, for sure it matters what we think. Because if I think unhealthy, unholy, dirty thoughts, that’s the kind of person I will become. But if I think about good, positive thoughts, that’s the kind of person I become.
I know many of you probably aren’t totally buying into this yet. What with all the “great” TV shows and movies out there, not to mention top Billboard songs that carry a great beat, we have to be careful that what we watch and listen to don’t conflict with what we really should be watching and listening to.
Let’s look at one example. If you’re a female over the age of, I’ll say 20 (although most likely younger that that), you’ve probably seen “10 Things I Hate About You”. Sorry guys, but I know your memories of this will be very different from the females here. So, we just finished watching the part of the movie where a good-looking Australian actor named Heath Ledger steals a microphone and sings to a not-so-happy Julia Stiles, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” And if you’re like me, you’ll smile and think happy thoughts as you remember that unforgettable scene.
Now, right after that thought, your emotions will probably shift and you might get very sad, thinking about what happened to him.
According to experts, he didn’t overdose on any of his several medications. What I believe really killed him was the effect of his then current role, The Joker, in “The Dark Knight” and how dark his role needed to be. According to one article, he told Empire Magazine that he, “’feared’ the role but wanted to make it different.” Here’s what he said:
“I sat around in a hotel room in London for about a month, locked myself away, formed a little diary and experimented with voices – it was important to try to find a somewhat iconic voice and laugh. I ended up landing more in the realm of a psychopath – someone with very little to no conscience towards his acts. He’s just an absolute sociopath, a cold-blooded, mass-murdering clown.”
“While Heath’s death was ruled accidental, the diary does reveal he was struggling with the deeply twisted role and his own emotions.” (Dailymail.co.uk)
I think we could learn a lot from this one example. Do you know I can’t even watch “The Dark Knight”? I can’t explain how it makes me feel inside, but it’s like I physically feel the demons descending on me, trying to suffocate me with their darkness. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you shouldn’t watch this movie or any others like it. But what I am saying is, in your daily life, think about what you let come into your eyes and ears. Because it will settle in our hearts, and eventually become who we are. “Keep your heart (some versions say mind) with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Another great Proverb (4:23).
Does It Matter What We Think? How could one immerse themselves in such a role as described above and not be affected by it? Our mind is a delicate thing that we have to take care of. We are warned in Romans 12, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Why is this so important? So that we, “may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (verse 2) Even doctors are now admitting that the best cure for diseases, including cancer, is a positive attitude, which begins with positive thoughts. Think good things this week and just see if you don’t begin to feel differently!
Photo by LP
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