It is true that we reap what we sow. And sometimes, weeds intrude and make themselves welcome. When a weed left to grow, it steals nourishment from the soil and becomes a sore sight that distracts from beauty.
The mind is not unlike a garden. Thoughts drift in and plant seeds in our minds as easily as the wind blows them our way. We can't stop thoughts from coming, just as we can't stop weeds from inviting themselves into our soil.
We do have a choice over whether or not we want to water these visitors with our attention. Do we indulge or explore these itchy thoughts? Or, do we recognize their trappings as poisonous apples? Do we lean our ear towards the sweet nothings from the silver tongue of the adversary, or do we return our attention to whatever is "true" and "good?" (Phil. 4:8)
If we don't tend to our thinking with a gardener's attitude, negative thoughts, improper perceptions, subtle pride, entitlement or fear are eager take root alongside the seeds we intend to nurture. It is easier to pull a young weed before it takes over and steals the bloom in our lives. Often, we don't recognize its presence. Or perhaps we do, but we underestimate its danger to reek havoc in our mind garden.
Regular reading of God's word and the active presence of the Holy Spirit can help us discern the weeds from truth -- the kind of thinking that happily puts God and others before ourselves and keeps our hearts in his restful peace.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Phil 4: 8-9