The quality of our thoughts determines the direction of our thoughts. Whether ordained or not—deacon, elder, pastor, or member—no one should ever become proud of position or title. What truly matters is the purity of our minds before God. Sin begins in thought before it ever becomes word or deed. Consequently, as Psalm 119:11 teaches we must hide God's Word in our hearts so we will not sin against Him. Isaiah 55:7-9 calls us to forsake unrighteousness and return to the Lord who is abundant in mercy. Our thoughts shape our purpose and direction; unrighteous thoughts lead to unrighteous living, while righteous thoughts align us with God's ways. Scripture teaches that a good tree cannot bear evil fruit (Matthew 7:18), just as we cannot live righteously while thinking wickedly. James 3 reminds us that blessing and cursing should not come from the mouth. Proverbs 23:7 asserts "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." David was called a man after God's own heart because he sought to think like God, allowing divine law to guide every decision. Likewise, we too must take every thought captive to the obedience to Christ (II Corinthians 10:5) meditating daily on God's Word. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think whatever is just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. There are only two ways to think—the righteous way leading to life and the unrighteous way, leading to death. We should opt to think righteously, for we become what we continually think about.