“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:5 NLT)
Someone has said
“You aren’t what you think you are, but what you think, you are.” In other words, if your thinking is dominated by sinful things, you are carnal and not pleasing God. If, on the other hand, your thoughts are controlled by the Holy Spirit and you think about spiritual things, you then please the Spirit. It is important to know that you do control what you think about. Thoughts are like birds; they may fly over your head, but you don’t have to let them build a nest in your hair! When you get a negative thought, recognize it for what it is and then bring it under control. Additionally, keep in mind that the content you expose your mind to shapes your thoughts. If you listen to music with sinful messages and watch R-rated movies, your thoughts will be filled with those things. If you listen to praise music and fill your mind with God’s Word by reading and studying the Bible, you will develop a spiritual mind.
Take every thought captive to obey Christ
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” (2 Cor. 10:3-6 ESV)
Renew your mind
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)
Think about good things
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 4:8 ESV)