Tozer on the Thought Life

Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against 
the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the 
obedience of Christ.  
--2 Corinthians 10:5

What we think about when we are free to think about what we will--
that is what we are or will soon become....

Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so 
by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours 
or days. What has he thought about when free to think of what he 
pleased? Toward what has his inner heart turned when it was free to 
turn where it would? When the bird of thought was let go did it fly 
out like the raven to settle upon floating carcasses or did it like 
the dove circle and return again to the ark of God? Such a test is 
easy to run, and if we are honest with ourselves we can discover not 
only what we are but what we are going to become. We'll soon be the 
sum of our voluntary thoughts.... 

The best way to control our thoughts is to offer the mind to God in 
complete surrender. The Holy Spirit will accept it and take control 
of it immediately. Then it will be relatively easy to think on 
spiritual things, especially if we train our thought by long periods 
of daily prayer. Long practice in the art of mental prayer (that is, 
talking to God inwardly as we work or travel) will help to form the 
habit of holy thought.  Born After Midnight, 44,46-47.

"Oh, Lord, You know the constant struggle so many of us have with 
our thought life. You know how often our thoughts do indeed settle 
on rotten carcasses. Take control of my thoughts today, and move me 
along in the development of the habit of holy thought. Amen."

I've heard it said about men that if you want to know what we're thinking you can pretty much guess that it's sex, sports, or food.  Unfortunately, that's often the case with me.  However, I do find that I spend quite a bit of energy thinking about how I can get done what needs to get done without compromising the time I spend iwth my family.  I guess that's not so bad, but it's not the most noble pursuit either.

I am reminded of Phil 4:8 again.  The thought life seems to be a huge battleground for me (and I suspect all men).  Over time I've developed good habits of not giving in to temptation.  The problem is that I need to make sure I have the inside of the cup clean as well.