Thoughts are coordinates.

Huh?

Coordinates get you somewhere. They’re about helping you end up at the right destination. Perhaps you type them into your phone or G.P.S. If you don’t input the right data, you end up at the wrong place.

Or picture Han Solo and Chewbacca in the Millennium Falcon. Before they make the jump to hyperspace they need to type in the right coordinates. If they don’t they could end up in a dangerous asteroid field.

Our thoughts are like this. They take us places. Thoughts can become patterns. They can turn into mental habits, which turn into decisions, which turn into actions. 

Each thought is a small step in a certain direction.

I think that is why Jesus said this in Matthew 5:27-28: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Adultery is the end result of a long series of invisible thoughts and decisions. It’s not like it just happens instantaneously. So Jesus presses deeper and goes to the root issue.

This same issue applies to a whole host of other areas in our lives as well.

What do you spend time thinking and daydreaming about? What are your life goals? What are your relationship goals? How do you picture your life in five years?

Are your thoughts leading you closer to the grace and truth of Jesus, or further away?

No one’s thoughts are squeaky clean. Perhaps we have an angry thought toward someone who has offended us, or perhaps we secretly rejoice when someone fails at something. The point is to notice what is going on, seek the grace of God, and change direction. Your thoughts are powerful, even though they are invisible.

Are your thoughts leading you closer to the grace and truth of Jesus, or further away?

Thoughts are coordinates.

Notes:

-“Adultery, Lust, Porn and Throwing the First Stone.” Click here. Sermon. 
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.