What do you find yourself thinking about most these days? Plans of accomplishment? Dreams for the new year? Do sorrows so weigh you down that you cannot see above their cloud? We ought to be careful where we let our thoughts wander and dwell for they determine not only how we see the world but who we become.
Proverbs 23:7 tells us we are what we think. Galatians 6:7 warns that we will reap what we sow. Bishop Beckwaith put it this way:
Plant a thought and reap a word;
plant a word and reap an action;
plant an action and reap a habit;
plant a habit and reap a character;
plant a character and reap a destiny.
Frank Outlaw, once president of a supermarket chain said it this way:
“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
Negative thinking tends to beget negative talk. Our negative words lead to negative ways of behaving and these grow into hurtful habits that mark our character. And our character creates the legacy we leave when all else is done. The reverse is equally true. Uplifting and thankful thoughts lead to encouraging words. And we will tend to act on the helpful words we speak. They become habits of thanksgiving that mark our character and who we become. What kind of legacy do you want to leave?
W — Watch your Words.
A — Watch your Actions.
T — Watch your Thoughts.
C — Watch your Companions.
H — Watch your Habits.