People who are familiar with George Orwell’s book, Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984), can’t help but recognize some of his concepts coming to life in this century. In his dystopian novel the Thought Police are the secret police of the superstate of Oceania, who discover and punish thought crime, personal and political thoughts unapproved by the ruling regime.

When the book was published in 1949, the year 1984 seemed remote and the book itself was considered wild science fiction. It has taken a few more decades, but current reality has moved the book from science fiction into the realm of prophesy.

When thinking about how citizens today can be punished for their words and perceived motivations (their inner thoughts), it is chilling. However, the concept is Biblical:

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45 (NKJV)

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

Throughout the Scriptures we are reminded to guard our words and that God knows our thoughts and cares about our motivations, even more than our actions. So why does it bother us when the government seems to be adopting God’s values? Especially when our culture has been doing its best to erase God’s influence?

The problem, as I see it, is that the authorities are not adopting God’s values so much as they are attempting to usurp His authority. Only God can see into a person’s heart and mind.

Human laws, no matter how draconian, can never change a human heart.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)