Vain Thoughts

James Smith, 1859
 

"How long shall your vain thoughts lodge within you?" Jeremiah 4:14

We are very much influenced by our thoughts. Habitual and cherished thoughts: show the state of the heart, and regulate the feelings and the conduct. Thoughts that are resisted, are not ours, nor are we accountable for them. But thoughts, however we become possessed of them, if adopted, encouraged, and relished—are ours, and we are held responsible for them. If we give them a lodging, if we allow them to find a home within us—they are ours. God notices our thoughts, reproves us for our thoughts, and judges us by our thoughts; as it is written, "As he thinks in his heart—so is he." Vain thoughts show a vain state of mind, and lead to vanity and confusion; therefore the Lord puts the question, "How long shall your vain thoughts lodge within you?"

We have all at times vain thoughts, and they are injurious to ns, and dishonorable to God. Let us glance at a few of them.

It is vain to think of being saved—but by the Lord Jesus Christ alone; or of being saved by the Lord Jesus Christ, except by simple faith in him. Groans, tears, cries, and human efforts, are all vain; faith, and faith in Christ alone, saves us.

It is vain to look for peace, or expect solid satisfaction of soul—but as we look away from everything within us, and without us, and look to Christ alone; the eye must be taken off duties, feelings, and everything else, and be steadily fixed on Christ alone, or there can be no solid peace.

It is vain to think of enjoying the Lord's comforting presence, if we walk contrary to him, or are found out of his way; it is when we yield ourselves to God, and keep his commandments, that he meets us, and fills us with joy.

It is vain to expect to enjoy spiritual comfort, while we willfully neglect any known positive duty; but in keeping his commandments, there is a great reward.

It is vain to think we are so fortified against sin, or Satan—that there is no need for fear, watchfulness, or daily crying to the strong for strength; for so soon as we do so, sin will overcome us, and Satan will find an occasion against us.

It is vain to think, that while we indulge in any, the least sin, that grace will prosper in the soul; the black frost does not more surely wither up the tender plant, than indulged sin causes our grace to wither and decline.

It is vain for a believer to think of sinning, without being detected and made to suffer for it; God may hide their sin from their fellow Christians—but he will soundly chastise them for it.

It is vain to think of receiving any blessing in ordinances without prayer, and having the eyes up to the Lord; in his sovereignty, the Lord may send us a blessing—but we have no right to expect one.

It is vain to think that the Lord needs to be moved and turned towards us by our tears and wrestlings, for though he approves of deep feeling and earnestness in prayer, and therefore honors it; his heart is towards us, and glows with infinite love to us, before we begin to pray; yes, our very tears and pleadings, prove his love, being produced by his own Spirit within us.

It is vain to think of passing through the world, or arriving in heaven, without conflicts, trials, and tribulations; for it is God's decree and the Savior's testimony, that we must pass through them.

It is vain to think that the performance of one duty, will justify or excuse us in neglecting another; each duty has its place, importance, and design, and each claims our attention and regard.

It is vain to think that the world, or light, frothy professors, will love and esteem us, or enjoy our company—if we are really spiritually minded, and walk closely with God.

It is vain to think that the old man will die, or the conflict between the flesh and the spirit cease, until we are called up to stand before our Savior's face, and enjoy his glorious presence and perfect love. There will be a warfare withm, and trials without, requiring the exercise of faith, courage, and self-denial, until the last—until we are absent from the body, and present with the Lord.

Have we any of these, or similar vain thoughts, lodging within us? Do we give them house-room, or rather heart-room? If so, God asks us, "How long shall vain thoughts lodge within you?"

Beloved, let us pay some attention to our thoughts, and determine in the Lord's strength, not to indulge, nor even tolerate any vain thoughts. Let us make use of all proper means to correct our thoughts, and bring them into conformity to God's thoughts. Especially let us carefully read, and diligently study, God's most holy word. Let us frequently meditate on God's promises, our relation to him, and the duties springing out of the same. Let us closely examine ourselves, as in God's presence, and by the light of his inspired word. Let us be much in prayer for divine teaching, direction, and sanctification. Let us compare ourselves with the examples set before us in the Bible, and our attainments with theirs. Let us often sit in judgment upon ourselves, our motives, aims and ends, and make conformity to God's will and word—the great object of our lives.

Remember, God requires vain thoughts to be attended to. He will not overlook or treat them lightly, if we do. If therefore we do not attend to them, and seek to be purged from them—he will, and the process may be very painful. He requires us to be like-minded with David, who said, "I hate vain thoughts—but I love your law." He requires us to show our hatred, by our conduct towards them. As therefore God hates vain thoughts—if we neglect, or tolerate, or encourage them—he will correct us for so doing. Let us then seek deep and thorough sanctification; and pray, that our hearts may be wholly given up to God, be filled with the thoughts of God, and be ruled and controlled only by the Spirit of God.