Always be sure we constantly tell ourselves biblical truth, but then believe the truth we tell ourselves, and watch the positive, health changes to our spirit, soul, and body, for a godliness (Christ—1 Timothy 3:16) change in our attitude and personality happens, and the biblical truth we should tell ourselves that we should truly believe is found in Proverbs 4:20-27.
Proverbs 4:20-27 (NLT)—20 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Do not lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their WHOLE body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse (corrupt, wicked) talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Do not get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
When we, in Christ Jesus, set our emotions, mind, and will, to obey God, regardless of the cost, so only His will matters to us, then the Holy Spirit’s power, love, sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7), righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17), will sweep over us like soothing warm oil, to prepare us to live in agreement with the good, holy living seen in Proverbs 18:1-24.
Proverbs 18:1-24 (NLT)—1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense. 2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. 3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt. 4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. 5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent. 6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. 7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips. 8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. 9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. 10 The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe. 11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. 12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. 13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. 14 The human spirit can endure (overcome) a sick body, but who can bear a crushed (deadened) spirit? 15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. 16 Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! 17 The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins. 18 Casting lots (votes) can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents. 19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. 20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. 21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who talk excessively will reap the consequences. 22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD. 23 The poor plead for mercy, the rich answer with insults. 24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus fully submitted to God’s will, but then Jesus had to fully submit to the stripes for our healing, and being nailed to the cross for our sins; thus, we must first ask for, receive, and know God’s will for us, and then we must fully submit to every detail of God’s will, so His will is totally carried out in every detail of our daily living, and then our struggles end, for our emotions, mind, and will are firmly set to know and do God’s will, regardless of what we face, or what demands are placed on us for obeying God and not people.
Jim Nabors
