Thinking of God — Thomas Watson
“To have frequent and devout thoughts of God witnesses sincerity. No truer touchstone of sanctity exists than the spirituality of the thoughts. What a man is, that his thoughts are: ‘For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he’ (Prov. 23:7). Thoughts are freer from hypocrisy than words. One may speak well for applause, or to stand right in the opinion of others; but when we are alone and think of God’s Name, and admire his excellencies, this shows the heart to be right. Thoughts are freer from hypocrisy than an unblamable life. A man may in his outward behaviour be fair, yet have a covetous, revengeful mind. The acts of sin may be conceived when the heart sits brooding upon sin; but to have the thoughts spiritualized and set upon God is a truer symptom of sincerity, than a life free from vice. Christians, what do your thoughts run upon? Where do they make their most frequent visits? Can you say, Lord, our hearts are still mounting up to heaven, our thoughts are lodged in paradise; though we do not see thy face, yet we think on thy Name? This is a good evidence of sincerity. We judge men by their actions; God judges them by their thoughts.” (85)
