In Deuteronomy, there is this interesting concept where God tells the Israelites to lend to their neighbors and family freely as the need arises, and every seven years, cancel the debt. Don't collect the money you are owed because "the Lord Himself has declared the debt cancelled." (Deut 15:2, GNT)
Okay, so we don't find ourselves in that cycle today, but if we did, wouldn't we be a little hesitant to lend money in the fifth and sixth years, since the likelihood of getting it back before the debt is cancelled would be much lower than in earlier years?
Who wouldn't be tempted to think like that?
Do I have to worry that those thoughts make me a bad person? When I am trying to outwit some right system I find myself in--don't speed, consume less calories, don't say "I'm sorry," don't put off until tomorrow what should be done today--are all those thoughts coming only from my heart and mind?
Read on: If there are Israelites in need...be generous and lend them as much as they need. Do not refuse...just because the year when debts are cancelled is near. Do not let such an evil thought enter your mind. (Deut 15:7-9, GNT)
Enter my mind? Like from the outside?
The quality of our lives is hugely, hugely dependent upon the quality of thoughts that drive our beliefs, our actions, our conclusions. We are the gatekeepers of those thoughts--and here is proof that some of them come from the outside.
Guard, guard, guard the door of your mind. That is the greatest and most godly way we feed our strength.
