It Starts with a Thought

One Year Bible
New Testament passage for Friday, May 23, 2014:  John 13:1-30

And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him,  John 13:2 (NKJV)

It all starts with a thought.  John tells us that the most despicable betrayal of history began with a thought. Satan planted a seed in the heart of Judas.  That seed grew into treachery.

Most people do not start out planning to fail.  No marriage begins with wishes for divorce.  No new friendship hopes for anger and bitterness.  No man or woman plots out ways they can ruin their life. Yet, somehow along the way, a bad thought gets embedded.  A misconception finds a foothold.  An attitude takes root.

That thought grows into action.  It plays itself out like a slowly eroding hillside.  At first, it may be imperceptible.  But over time, the ground shifts until finally a landslide takes place.  The landscape of your life gets rearranged.  It all starts with a thought.

It is obvious that Judas played a game for quite some time.  He prayed and preached with the best of them.  He fed the poor.  He was part of a two-man team sent out on apostolic missions (wonder who his partner was).  But, all along, there were growing doubts and distrust, resentments and reservations.  

We each need to guard our thought life.  It is so easy to become cynical and critical.  It seems Judas found fault even with Jesus!  No wonder we could find fault in human co-workers and companions.   


One of Satan's primary tools is a judgmental spirit that easily finds fault.  It is a path toward destruction.  It happened with Judas; it can happen with us.  So, guard you heart and mind in Christ Jesus.  Thoughts are important.  They grow!!!  Success or failure doesn't just happen.  It all starts with a thought.