We Are As We Think
All of our actions first originate in our mind. Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." We are what we think. Those who think on evil things become evil just as those in Noah’s day. "Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). Those who think evil, do evil. "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be" (Romans 8:5-7). The sinful things that people say and do originate in the mind. "For those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man" (Matthew 15:18).
But how can our thinking be used for us to live a godly life so we can go to heaven? "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalms 119:11). By studying God’s word and making it part of our life we will "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts" (1 Peter 3:15). By doing this we will "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). For us to go to heaven we must, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2).
We must purify our hearts for, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). How do we purify our hearts so we can go to heaven? "Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8). As we think on pure and holy things our lives will be righteous. We will "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2) as we study God’s word. Jesus says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). If we do this we will obey all that God commands and one day be with Him in heaven.