Most of us tend to view the mind as a sanctuary—a place to hide our innermost workings from the rest of the world. But what if, at any given moment, there was the high possibility someone could hear what you were thinking as clearly as if you’d spoken it out loud? No thought would be safe, and the entire world could judge whether your heart aligned with your outer actions.
What a terrifying prospect!
Given such a circumstance, would you be more likely to control your thoughts?
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Guard Your Mind
Years ago, I read a book where one of the characters had a third ear hidden on the back of her head for the sole purpose hearing what others were thinking. While it was meant to be silly, as a kid, this concept freaked me out and I started worrying the people around me might actually be able to hear my thoughts.
What if someone could hear what you were thinking as clearly as if you’d spoken it out loud?
In more recent years, Twilight’s Edward Cullen took this terrifying skill to a new level.
Outrageous as it is, one can’t help but imagine the what-ifs: What if there really were people with this ability? What if this wasn’t an impossibility—or even a rarity? What if what happened in your head wasn’t completely hidden from the outside world?
If they’re listening to your thoughts, what would they hear? This takes the phrase “guard your mind” to a whole new urgency.
A False Sanctuary
We’ve become comfortable with the idea that we can think one thing and say something else, and no one will ever know…
- if you’re having impure thoughts about a member of the opposite sex—or the same sex.
- when you’re judging another girl for her size or lack of fashion sense.
- about the curse words running through your head when you smash your finger, or the curses you’re calling down on someone who cut you off in the fast lane.
Our thoughts are hidden, so no one else can hear them. What a relief. Because if they could hear your thoughts, would they still want to be your friend?
Would they still believe you when you say you’re a Christian?
Someone Who Hears Your Every Thought
Like a nightmare coming to reality, there is someone who can and does listen to your thoughts—all of them, all the time.
The Lord knows the thoughts of mankind. He knows that they are just vapor.
Psalm 94:11
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
Psalm 139:2
Isn’t that frightening? The only one who can hear your mind is also the one who will someday judge your soul.
And yet, somehow, we tend to let that crucial little detail slip to the back of our minds while other, more shameful thoughts claim the forefront.
An Incentive to Guard Your Mind
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” It really should read, “You are what you think.” Or, as Jesus says,
“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”
Matthew 15:17-18
The truth is, you can only hide your true thoughts for a short while. Eventually, they will come out through your words and actions.
The only one who can hear your mind is also the one who will someday judge your soul.
- Your negative thoughts about people of another race or culture will show up in your next interaction with said people.
- Your “innocent” fantasies will turn into a porn addiction.
- The anger and hate you hide will someday erupt like Mount St. Helens, usually at the worst time.
- Your envy over a friend’s body, boyfriend, or perceived good fortune in life will erode your friendship—if you let it.
And that’s the key. Because if you let these thoughts run untamed through your mind, they will eventually breed more thoughts of the same nature until they control every part of you.
Unless you control your thoughts now, it will be as if everyone around you has a third ear, and you won’t be able to hide anymore.
You don’t have to let that happen. In fact, you shouldn’t.
Control Your Thoughts, Not the Other Way Around
You are what you think, but you don’t have to let your thoughts define who you are.
You control your thoughts so they conform to who God made you to be (Romans 12:2). Think of your thoughts as wild horses. You can let them go wherever they please, and eventually trample you. Or, you can take them captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), and train them until they submit to you, just as a rider is in control of her horse. Don’t let even a single thought run free (Matthew 22:37). Take it and whip it into shape.
And never forget: There is one who searches your heart daily (Psalm 26:2) and will hold you accountable for what happens there, even if no one else ever sees it.
Set your mind on things above, and let the peace of Christ rule your hearts, your words, your actions and your relationships!
The Power of the Mind: More Resources For Christian Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
This was a great read Lauren lots to surely think about. Thank you❤️
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