We have talked about how ideas are super powerful, because they can create action. The results of the actions taken will prove the source of the idea. It’s important to consider the source of the ideas that we consider taking action on.
For example some of the circumstances and situations we have in life can cause us to have ideas that try to talk us out of commitment. But commitment says, “No matter what, I’m in.” But the ideas we have in hardship say, “Shut up this sucks, let’s get out of it.”
Not every idea that passes through our minds comes from God, nor are they all based on truth. The more you know the truth the more clarity you have on distinguishing good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 says,
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use (of the truth) have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
A perfect example of this is Jesus in the wilderness with the devil. This guy gives Jesus some jacked up ideas. First the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Key word being, “if”, if you are the Son of God. Jesus in Luke 4 has been in the wilderness for 40 days being tempted with no food. Physically, mentally, spiritually that would be pretty exhausting and the devil it trying to create doubt in Jesus’ mind. Which is why you want to consider the thoughts you have in times of trial, because not every thought is worth keeping. Jesus’ response was, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
For the second idea the devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
The devil is saying, “Why go through the pain and ridicule, just worship me and I will give you what you came for (ish).” Sometimes these ideas are packaged really nicely so that they seem like hope and relief, but inside the packaging is death. Jesus responds, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Knowing the truth keeps you from deception.
For the last idea the devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Here we go again with the “if”, “if you are the Son of God, then kill yourself”. What?! “Yeah, just throw yourself down from here. Come on, and I quote, ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone’”. Dude quotes scripture in hopes that Jesus will commit suicide. Jesus responds, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Not every idea that passes through our minds come from God. You can’t control every thought that pops in your mind, but you do control what thoughts you cultivate. Thoughts that don’t spur on hope and life, are thoughts you want to let go of. Jesus came and brought life and life abundantly, it’s the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Don’t be deceived, death in a nice package is still death.