Good and Evil Thoughts and Intents

Good and Evil Thoughts and Intents

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” Gen. 6:5-6.

The first great sin that came up in man’s heart after the fall was envy, and this ghastly thought was translated into the first murder. Since that day millions of envious thoughts have come up in men’s hearts, and have found expression in all kinds of evil and meaningless ideas that have harmed those people themselves, as well as others. They crucified the Lord of glory because of envy. That act must have been the most disastrously evil and horrible thought that has ever found expression here on earth.

Even in the church, envy can cause much harm if we do not see it as a terrible sin against which we have to be on guard. This especially applies to mothers when it goes so much better with the others’ children than with their own, and also to young sisters when it concerns engagements.

It has always been easier to mourn with those who mourn than to rejoice with those who rejoice. This was especially evident when the demon of envy entered Saul when the women sang that Saul had slain a thousand, but David had slain ten thousand. This was also the case with the relationship between the son who stayed home and his brother. It was too much for Judas when the woman poured the alabaster flask of fragrant oil on Jesus’ head. He left the most glorious people on earth and went out into eternal night. No one can bear envy, resentment, and bitterness in his heart without thinking of doing the most foolish things. The disciples also harbored envy and conceit in their hearts when the thought arose in them as to who was the greatest among them. This is how foolish they could be before the light of the Holy Spirit entered into their darkness.

God created everything perfectly and good, but sin entered and deceived the mind and the thoughts of man. However, Noah was not deceived. When God saw Noah’s heart, He rejoiced to see his good and righteous thoughts. When God sought after righteous men on earth, He found Noah, Daniel, and Job.

God had given the exact measurements for the ark, and that is where Noah had his thoughts. “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” Gen. 6:22; 7:1. Noah was a preacher of righteousness. It was righteous to be obedient to his employer who was God Himself. Even though he had never seen a boat or seen a person drown, he nevertheless proclaimed in full faith what God had told him.

There is a saying that we are what we think. Every one of us must guard his own heart against evil and selfish thoughts. They bring harm to us, as well as to others. Imagine the many evil thoughts and intents that rise up in hearts in these days—in these times of the darkness of night. Money and honor drive people to insanity. The keenest minds think of the most horrible things for the purpose of waging war and invent the most cruel torture instruments. The well of the pit has been opened to the basest ideas to ruin the minds and thoughts of young people. Those who deal in the most evil and impure things that can be found are soon millionaires. One devilish idea is the sale of narcotics, which ruins and kills thousands of young men and women.

Evil thoughts and intents are also seen and heard by God today, and the misery in our days isn’t any less than it was in Noah’s days. Nevertheless, God’s righteous judgment will be executed; it will come soon.

How good it is to be liberated from your restless and anxious trains of thought and enter into goodness, peace, and rest. “But a noble man has noble thoughts, and he is established by noble things.” Isa. 32:8. In one song it says, “Noble thoughts spread forth their leaves and godly nature now doth abound.” Imagine having this soil in your heart that brings forth only good thoughts, which in their turn bring forth “shoots” of wisdom, peace, and the many good intents of love.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11. This is how God is, and this is how we—as His children—are to be. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matt. 5:9.

Joseph said to his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Gen. 50:20. God thinks far ahead; His longsuffering is for our salvation. Jonah thought only of himself and his honor when he sat under the plant, but God thought of saving the inhabitants of that great city, Nineveh.

“The thoughts of the righteous are right . . . .” Prov. 12:5. Therefore “the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18. They spend their days thinking of all kinds of good things to do. Love is inventive. The body of Christ is built up in this spirit of obedience to Christ who is the head, just as Noah built the ark in perfect obedience to God’s laws. Thoughts of obedience are thoughts that bring forth good fruits.

“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” Prov. 15:15. It is wise to let many peaceful, joyful, and good thoughts into your heart—together with many good intentions—for the benefit and joy of yourself and the others. Then life will be light and rich, and you will have an abundant entrance into God’s kingdom. “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.” 1 Tim. 4:15. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7. Away with all evil thoughts and intents! Away with doubting, anxious, and unbelieving thoughts, and in with thoughts of faith, peace, and wisdom—the thoughts that Christ works and which we will keep in our hearts as eternal riches and incorruptible treasures.