“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life” (Proverbs 4:23, NCV).

               What we believe matters. I spoke these words to a congregation in Ashville, Ohio on Sunday, September 16, 2001. Five days earlier, nineteen terrorists murdered 2977 innocent souls. The organizers of the attack defended their actions by citing a fatwa (a legal ruling that upholds Islamic law). Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri believed that Allah approved of the assault as a righteous strike against the Great Satan.

               What we believe truly matters. What we believe shapes how we think. How we think shapes what we do. Our beliefs lead us either to create or destroy. What we believe can motivate us to build life up or tear life down.

 Our beliefs and thoughts collectively give rise to one of the greatest powers we have. Our worldview determines whether we will achieve success or failure. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

               The writer of Proverbs 4:23 cautions each of us to weigh our beliefs and thoughts carefully. Sadly, too many of us act before we think. We neglect to consider all of the facts. We fail to examine closely the sources from which we receive information. Perhaps worst of all we ignore our own ulterior motives.

               My parents taught me to think critically, biblically, and theologically. They encouraged me to ask an important question before making important decisions. What would Jesus think and do? What impact would my actions potentially have on others? How might my ideals affect the futures of my family, my community, and my country?

               Friends, beliefs consequences. For twenty-three years, the entire planet has suffered due to the erroneous principles of a few misguided actors. Therefore, my prayer for all of us is that God would grant us the mind of Christ—that we might think more wisely, act more compassionately, all to bring about Shalom among the peoples of the world more completely.