3 Reasons Why You Should Not Harbor Evil Thoughts

Before speaking evil words, everyone is first preceded by evil thoughts. In the same way, before doing evil, a person always begins by thinking evil thoughts. Many people do not want to free themselves from their evil thoughts, even though they usually say they do. It is not because they do not want to, but because they cannot.

Matthew 9:3-4 Then some of the teachers of the law said in their hearts, “He is blaspheming God.” But Jesus knew their thoughts and said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts?”

One thing we must understand is that God knows all our thoughts. Nothing is hidden before Him; everything is laid bare and open (Hebrews 4:12,13).

No one is destined to think evil thoughts. All of it is a choice and the result of practice, so to reverse that condition we must be willing to practice. Here are 3 basic things that can help us understand why we should stop thinking evil thoughts:

1. Our thoughts will surely spill out

People often think that evil thoughts are something hidden. Others may not know what is in our minds, but remember that God knows everything. Most people, even criminals, do not like to be seen as evil. They judge themselves and hope to be judged as heroes or as great people. It is the same with people who like and are used to thinking evil thoughts; they will not admit that they are evil people. Even though in truth they are evil. They do not realize that evil thoughts can go on to become evil words and even evil deeds if they are not dealt with.

Our thoughts are like a vessel that, when it keeps being filled, will overflow. From the inside to the outside through words or actions. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to what we put into our minds. If we fill them with things that are good and right, then goodness and truth will overflow from us. The opposite is also true: if we fill them with things that are bad and evil, then all wickedness and evil will flow out.

So choose wisely what we allow into our minds.

2. Evil thoughts keep us from learning

These teachers of the law did not have power or ability as great as the Lord Jesus, but they should have been able to receive a share in it, if only their hearts had been willing to learn. Their thoughts would not allow them to learn. For evil thoughts are like an extremely vicious cancer, attacking and filling every corner of our being, so that there is no more room left to be filled with truth.

We really need to cleanse out evil thoughts to the very roots so they do not spread again. Finish them off and make sure they are cleared from our minds by talking about them, asking forgiveness, and making peace with the person concerned. Put up a barrier against every evil thought and do not let it enter our minds.

3. Evil thoughts take away our happiness

While others rejoice at seeing the great work of God, these educated people could not be happy at all. Because the place of happiness within them was filled with evil thoughts. Others may smile with satisfaction, but the face of a person who thinks evil thoughts is flat and expressionless, and the heart is dull and without enthusiasm. Others can praise God sincerely and fervently. However, these people who think evil thoughts are busy judging and considering them hypocrites.

Do not let our happiness be stolen by evil thoughts. Whatever condition we are in right now, God wants us to remain happy. And truly, we can be happy in every situation. Pastor Togar and his wife, Frieda Agustina Sinambela, have served as the Congregational Leaders of GKDI Manado since 2006. And they have two children, Faithlene Jouito Sianturi (9) and Theodoric Garrison Sianturi (2). The Manado church has also started churches in Bitung and Palu. It has also sent mission members to Balikpapan, Makassar, and Manokwari. Adapted from Pastor Togar Sianturi’s blog article.