Human Thought Influences Human Action

Posted on July 3, 2024, 9:54 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode, The Gospel Study Centre

The Bible says, “As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.” (Prov.27:19). We are also told that “As a person thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov.23:7). The two Bible passages gave credence to the fact that our thoughts play a major role in determining what we do and what we achieve. It shows the powerful influence our thoughts have over our actions. The story in the book of Numbers, Chapter 13 where Moses sent twelve men according to God’s directive to spy the land of Canaan which God promised to give to the Israelites, is a good case study that explains the influence people’s thoughts have on their actions. The twelve spies left to spy the land and came back after 40 days. They all reported that the land flows with milk and honey (Num.13:27) But ten out of the spies gave a bad report with the conclusion that the Israelites would not be able to claim the land as the inhabitants of the land are stronger than them. (Num.13:31) The irony of the case was the fact that the people ignored the comment of faith made by Caleb to go up and possess the land (Num.13:30). Remember, Caleb’s submission was in accordance with the word and promise of God (Num.13:1). The report of the ten spies that was based on their own mental power was adopted. As a result of the bad report, they could not claim the land until when another set of three spies gave a positive report 39 years after. The three spies report says, “Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are faint hearted because of us” (Joshua.2:24) Their positive thought produces positive conclusion and action. The human Mind is the most important battlefield because human thought is decided in the mind. Therefore, we should rely on God’s Word instead of doubting God and relying on our own feelings or assumptions. We must not be deceived into believing that our own mental power is sufficient to accomplish all our plans. Our positive thought should stem from godly thinking, recognizing that God is the total resource for achieving our plan or project. The Bible commands us to think positively. Hear what the word of God says, “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things” (Phil.4:8) Brethren, relying on one’s feeling, and assumption tends to bring negative thought and negative action. Our positive thinking should be based on the Word of God which is the pure and total resource and on faith-based prayers. Evangelism Telling others about Jesus Christ is a sign of positive thinking. Let us be involved in the Great Commission as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre