Actions are but the product of our thoughts. When we think of doing something, chances are we will be doing it. Unless our actions are but reflexes like a knee jerking to a hit on the knee cap, we cannot say that we don't have control over them. Yes, all of us have the power to control our actions.
This brings us to the question of "should I be doing what I'm thinking?"
Some of us thoughtlessly do things that we later regret. We fail to consider their impacts on others, on ourselves, and ultimately how God feels about them. Friends, we should be more careful with what we do.
To help readers analyse their own actions, here are some questions you should ask yourself to know if what we're all thinking of doing should even be done – or not.
1. 'Is it sinful?'
Friends, anything that is sinful, when done with a person's full consent, really is sin. Make no mistake about it: sin is sin, and not a mistake. Mistakes and sins differ in one thing: intention. Is it intentional? If it is, then it is sin.
Consider what King David did to Bathsheba's husband, Uriah the Hittite, in 2 Samuel 11. David had an affair with Bathsheba, who was married to one of his warriors named Uriah. After knowing that Bathsheba became pregnant, David made a plot to avoid being labelled as an adulterer: First he tried to make Uriah sleep with Bathsheba. Upon failing, he arranged for the poor loyal warrior to be killed in battle. God wasn't happy with it.
Friend, if you know that what you are thinking of doing is sin, then don't do it.
2. 'Does God want me to do that?'
What we might be thinking of doing is not sinful, but is it something that God would want us to do? Better yet, can we do it and be proud of our actions to God? Think about it. Consider what Hebrews 13:21 tells us.
"... may [God] equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen."
3. 'Is it appropriate for a child of God to do?'
"So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
We are instructed to be thoughtful in how we live, and choose to live in ways that would be fitting for children of God. "Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ" (see Philippians 1:27).
