How do you know your thinking is right? James 3:17 shows us

How do you know your thinking is right?
How do you know it is from God or from Satan or from yourself?

MATTHEW 16:23 | [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

(Rom 8:7) For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

The Answer:

(Jas 3:17) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Compare with (Phil 4:8) 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.

The intention, the reasoning, and the desired outcome must follow from the above list of characteristics.

Check it first:

1. Pure?
There is no evil, bias, or bad intention.
Only truth, clean, clarity, and faithful.
Stick to the pure Word of God - the Bible.

2. Peaceable?

• Does it arise out of a heart at peace? Not in the moment of anger, fear, bitterness, hatred, stress.
• Does it lead to bringing peace or to stir up more troubles?

3.  Gentle?

• The way we are going to express it, is it gentle?
• Shouting, scolding, sarcasm do not work.

4. Open to reason?

• Can you stand up to challenges? 
• Are you open to other suggestions, opinions, and reasonings? 
• Are you so worry of being wrong that you shut up your ears? 
• You don't have to agree to them but at least consider your thinking from more perspectives. The feedback you get may even strengthen your initial thinking.

5. Full of mercy & good fruits?

• Is it out of love and is to bring benefits as good fruit.
• What are the outcomes of your thinking and decisions? Where are the benefits and for whom?

6.  Impartial?

• Do you give preference to a certain group, such as the wealthy one, or especially yourself and your gang at the expense of others?

7.  Sincere?

• Do you really mean what you say? 
• Are you trying to manipulate others? or to 
• Show a good image only?

If your thought satisfies the above criteria, you can be sure your wisdom is from above. You don't need to hear an audible voice from God to know it is from above.

Lim Liat (c) 26 July 2019