When we sin, the very first place that sin appears is in our thoughts. We may not act upon that sinful thought, and we might even believe (more fools we be) that no one will know it, but God is the one who knows our thoughts perfectly. It therefore follows that in order to maintain fellowship with God, to grow in grace, and to become more and more Christlike, we must bring every thought captive to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Thomas Goodwin provides help in his book The Vanity of Thoughts. First published in 1638, a new edition of this book has been published by Reformation Heritage Books.

Goodwin makes it clear that what he is looking at is the very first musings and simple notions conceived and entertained in the mind. This can be a very difficult point to accept, but the real test of whether they are truly our thoughts is whether we have a soft heart and inward love for them. If we do so, it is as if we have owned them as our child. There may be evil thoughts that come in from Satan and others, but if we do not embrace them, they are not ours. If, on the other hand, we open our heart to them, then they have truly become ours.

When Goodwin speaks of thoughts as vain, he is saying that they are sinful. He clearly lays out the case for this in the second chapter. It is a short chapter, only five pages, but he makes his case powerfully.

Goodwin then proceeds to show that our thoughts are vain in two ways. He first shows how our minds are reluctant to think of that which is good. The natural mind cannot draw holy thoughts from ordinary life, our minds are unwilling to think seriously upon God, it is difficult for the child of God to sustain good thoughts or to think of good things in proper season (Goodwin gives as an example one hearing a sermon and thinking of something totally unrelated to the sermon, even though it is a good thing). Goodwin then shows how our minds race after that which is evil with foolish, sinful, and curious thoughts. When he speaks of curious thoughts, he is addressing idle speculations, frivolous entertainments, empty hearing of the news, and curiosity into other people’s lives. In the age of the internet, the twenty-four hour news cycle, and a culture that seems eager to amuse itself to death, Goodman’s words are solemn warnings.

The imaginations of man are also addressed by Goodwin. Whether they are on present things, future things, past things, or imaginary things, they are all too often sinful in themselves or they crowd out thoughts of the things of God.

How to fight the great evils of our thoughts? Goodwin directs us to be humble before God, confessing them as sin. He also   directs us to keep a guard over our thoughts; thoughts are like a spring, from which come words and actions. Lay up heavenly truth, for if you do this you will be more likely to think on the things of God. Do all you can to keep lively, holy, and spiritual affections in your heart. Focus your thoughts on God and his holiness, majesty, omnipresence, and omniscience. Begin your day with God, keep watch through the day with God, and end your day with God. Guard your eyes, says Goodwin (and I think he would agree that we should also guard our ears as well). Be diligent in your calling, and above all, commit all your ways to the Lord.

This book is less than a hundred pages long, and can be read easily in two or three settings. The editing has made it more accessible for readers in the twenty-first century. It is a powerfully convicting work, and a very practical one. Last but not least, it is an encouraging book. Goodwin is well known for his Christ-centeredness and his deep grasp of the Gospel. Here he shows his skill as a pastoral counsellor. He distinguishes between the annoying presence of vain thoughts and the embracing of them. He also comforts us with this thought: “Consider your thoughts that you might be humbled. But, for all their multitude, do not be discouraged. For God has more thoughts of mercy than you have of rebellion.”