We become what we think. We are no better or worse than our thought life. Right thinking is the foundation for character growth. It is where both intent and motive are revealed. It is where secrets are formed and played out. It matters what we think; it matters to what we are and what we are becoming. Focusing on Christ is a prerequisite to imitating Him. Pondering His life is a foundation for Christlikeness. Thoughtfully and intentionally pursuing the divine likeness is what sanctification is. Jesus even added the word “mind” to the Great Commandment recorded as the Shema in the OT. (Mark 12:30-31). I can love God with my mind as I do with my strength.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” Mark 12:30-31 NRSV).
