Are You Making God's Thoughts Your Own? -OUR THOUGHTS AFFECT OUR ACTIONS

Let us not conclude that thinking is just a mental exercise. Thinking and actions work together. (Mark 7:21-23; James 2:17)  This can better by appreciated if we consider a few examples.  The Gospels, for instance give us clear indications of Jehovah's thinking with regard to material things.  God handpicked the human parents who would raise his Son-a couple who were of modest material means. (Leviticus 12:8; Luke 2:24) When Jesus was born, Mary "laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the lodging place." (Luke 2:7) Had Jehovah wanted to, he could in any number of ways have provided better accommodations for the birth of his Son.  What mattered to Him, though was the spiritual environment in which Jesus would be cared for and raised. 

From the Bible account about Jesus' birth, we can appreciate Jehovah's view of material things.  Some parents insist on the best for their children materially, even at the expense of their children's spiritual health. Clearly, though,  Jehovah considers spiritual matters to be of supreme importance. Have you adopted Jehovah's view?  What do your actions reveal? - Hebrews 13:5.

Another example is God's view of stumbling others. Jesus said:  "Whoever stumbles  one of these little ones who have faith, it would be better for him if a milestone that is turned by a donkey were put around his neck and he were pitched into the sea." (Mark 9:42)  Those words expressed strong feelings?  Since Jesus perfectly reflected his Father's personality, we can be sure that Jehovah feels just as strongly about anyone whose callous actions stumble one of Jesus followers. -John 14:9.

Next time: Are You Making God's Thoughts Your Own? -Conclusion of OUR THOUGHTS AFFECT OUR ACTIONS

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