Why Our Thoughts Matter as Much as Our Actions
Introduction: More Than Meets the Eye
When we think about right and wrong, most of us focus on what we do—our actions. We try not to lie, cheat, steal, or hurt others. Jesus surprised His listeners. He taught that God cares just as much about what goes on inside us—our thoughts and desires. God cares about these things as much as what we actually do. This idea is clearly expressed in Matthew 5:28. Jesus states, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a person lustfully has already committed adultery with them in their heart.”
What Did Jesus Say in Matthew 5:28?
In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus took common commands and turned them inside out. People had heard “Don’t commit adultery.” That made sense—it’s a visible, obvious action. But Jesus went deeper. He said that even looking at someone with lust is wrong. It is a desire that’s not loving or respectful and means you’ve already committed adultery in your heart. In other words, God’s standards aren’t just about our outward actions. He cares about our inner life too.
Why Would Jesus Teach This?
At the time, many religious leaders (like the Pharisees) thought obeying God was about rule-keeping. As long as you didn’t do something wrong—physically—you were in the clear. But Jesus knew that what happens inside us eventually shapes what we do. Our thoughts and attitudes can either lead us closer to God and others, or slowly pull us away.
By teaching that lust is a heart issue, Jesus shows that sin starts long before we ever act. It starts with what we allow to take root in our minds and imaginations. God cares about our whole person, not just what we do for show. He wants us to be honest and pure from the inside out.
Beyond Rules: The Heart of the Law
Why is this important? Because just adhering to the rules isn’t enough. Imagine someone who never technically lies but always tells half-truths to mislead people. Or someone who never cheats but is always wishing they would. Outwardly, they look good. Inwardly, their hearts aren’t right.
God wants real change, not just surface change. He wants us to become loving, honest, and pure people. We should not just avoid bad behavior. We should be transformed from within. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:28 shows us that God’s law is about our hearts, not just our hands.
Sin Starts in the Heart
We often think of sin as just breaking rules. But Jesus says it’s deeper. Sin is anything that separates us from God, even if nobody else knows about it. Our thoughts, attitudes, and secret desires matter. That’s why Jesus warns against lustful thoughts. He knows that what we feed in our minds eventually comes out in our lives.
- If you let anger simmer, it can turn into words or actions that hurt others.
- If you repeatedly imagine doing something wrong, it becomes easier to do it in real life.
- If you focus on loving thoughts, you’re more to act kindly and generously.
Our hearts are the starting place for everything else. Guarding our thoughts is as important as guarding our actions—sometimes even more so.
Why Our Thoughts Matter
You wonder, “If I haven’t acted on a bad thought, why does it matter?” Here are some reasons Jesus’ words are so important for us today:
- God sees everything—inside and out. We can fool others, but we can’t fool God. He knows our true motives and desires.
- Thoughts shape our lives. Repeated thoughts create habits. Habits create character. If we want a good life, it starts with good thoughts.
- Healthy thoughts lead to healthy relationships. Lustful, angry, or jealous thoughts can damage trust and closeness with others—even if we never act on them.
- God wants us to be whole, not divided. It’s exhausting to look good on the outside while struggling with guilt or shame inside. God invites us into integrity—being the same on the inside as we are on the outside.
Practical Ways to Guard Your Heart
So what can we do about our thought life? Jesus’ teaching isn’t meant to make us feel hopeless. It’s meant to invite us into a new way of living—with God’s help. Here are some simple steps for everyday life:
- Pay attention to your thoughts. Notice when your mind wanders into unhelpful or unhealthy territory. Don’t beat yourself up—just ask God for help to redirect your focus.
- Fill your mind with good things. What you read, watch, and listen to matters. Choose movies, music, and books that encourage kindness, hope, and respect for others.
- Pray about your thoughts. God is interested in every part of you, including your struggles. Ask for help, wisdom, and strength to think good thoughts.
- Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your struggles with a friend, family member, or mentor can bring encouragement and support. You don’t have to battle alone.
- Forgive yourself and start again. Everyone slips up. God is full of mercy and ready to help you start again. When you catch yourself going down a wrong path, ask God for forgiveness and move ahead.
Why Does Jesus Take Lustful Thoughts So Seriously?
In Jesus’ culture, adultery was seen as a serious betrayal—not just of a spouse, but of the entire community. By saying lustful thoughts are a form of adultery, Jesus isn’t trying to make us feel hopeless. Instead, He’s highlighting the seriousness of what we allow to grow in our minds:
- Lustful thoughts can easily become actions if we don’t stop them early.
- They can damage relationships by creating unrealistic expectations or pulling us away from healthy love.
- They can bring guilt, shame, or a sense of distance from God.
- They distract us from love, respect, and true intimacy.
Jesus wants us to be free—not trapped by unhealthy thoughts. He wants us to experience real love, trust, and joy.
Victory Over the Desires of the Heart
Let’s be honest: guarding our thoughts isn’t easy. Sometimes it feels like a never-ending battle. But Jesus promises that we don’t have to do it alone. God gives us His Spirit to help us. When we make hard choices—like avoiding certain situations or habits—we are partnering with God for our own good.
Each step we take toward a pure heart draws us nearer to the life God wants for us. This life is full of peace, joy, and freedom.
Tender Mercy and Forgiveness
Even when we fail (and we all do), God’s mercy is bigger than our mistakes. Jesus’ teaching isn’t meant to crush us with guilt, but to invite us to real change—with His help. We’re not defined by our failures. Every day is a chance for a fresh start. God is always ready to forgive us and help us move ahead.
Putting Jesus’ Teaching Into Practice
- Check your thoughts regularly. Are they loving, respectful, and honest? If not, ask God for help to shift them.
- Notice your triggers. What situations or media lead your mind off track? Can you make changes?
- Pray for strength and guidance. Even a simple prayer—“God, help me think good thoughts today”—can make a difference.
- Surround yourself with support. Choose friends, mentors, and communities that encourage you to grow.
- Forgive yourself when you slip, and ask God for strength to try again.
Conclusion: Living With a Pure Heart
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:28 challenge us in ways we never expect. God cares deeply about who we are inside—not just what we do on the outside. When we invite Him into our thoughts, we find real transformation. By seeking to grow in love, honesty, and purity, we experience deeper peace. It won’t always be easy, but you are never alone. God is with you, and together we can support one another on this journey.
Call to Action: Let’s Grow Together
How have your thoughts shaped your actions this week? Is there an area in your thought life you’d like to bring before God or ask for support? Share your experiences, struggles, or victories in the comments below. How do you guard your heart and cultivate pure thoughts? Let’s encourage one another and walk this journey together!
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 