Our lives are controlled by our most dominant thoughts. We need to think about what we are thinking about. We have the ability to control our thoughts. Romans 8:5-9 reads, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."
Too many people have empty thoughts. They give little or no attention to what enters through eye and ear gates. When people do not guard their thoughts it leaves a void. A void will be filled. Writers, singers, actors, educators, politicians, businesspersons, everyone has a message to spread to further their cause. Someone else determines what you believe.
Others have distortional thinking. Many make negative comments like, "Nothing ever goes right for me," "Nobody likes me," and "I can’t do anything right." These kind of thoughts distort healthy successful thinking. Thoughts of infidelity, procrastination and ignoring problems lead to damaging actions. Infidelity never just happens. Cheating starts with thoughts. Ignoring problems usually leads to greater problems. Putting off unpleasant tasks causes problems and makes things more difficult.
We need to think better thoughts. Here are a few better thoughts I try to think. "My past does not define me." "I am a new creation." "God delights in things going well for me." "This trouble is not forever. It will pass." When temptations come, we must take our thoughts captive. 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”
Think great thoughts.
Peace,
Stan
