So, Let's Capture Those Thoughts!
For as he thinks within himself, so he is. Proverbs 23:7 (NASB)
God has given us all the gift of free will. This gift empowers us to take control of the very thing that creates everything about who we are - our thought life.
In Who Switched Off My Brain, Dr. Caroline Leaf PhD shares her research regarding the science of thought. She says, "Remember, our behavior follows our thoughts, not the other way around. Analyzing and addressing our thoughts are key components of conquering habits and behaviors that seem to hold us hostage. Some of us may have common symptoms of toxic thinking such as pride, anger, rebellion, self-pity, complaining and ungratefulness, while other symptoms can be as dramatic as compulsive gambling, criticizing, overeating or viewing pornography." p. 83
Dr. Leaf encourages us to capture the kind of thoughts that she labels "toxic thinking." Toxic thoughts are thoughts that trigger negative and anxious emotions, which produce biochemicals that cause the body stress.
She reminds us that the Bible speaks to this issue clearly in Philippians 4:8, which says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
We can break the cycle of toxic thinking. We can break unhealthy patterns! To help us see how, let's define terms:
True - genuine, accurate, exact
Honorable - worthy of deep admiration because of qualities or achievements
Just - morally right and fair
Pure - not mixed or adulterated
Lovely - exquisitely beautiful
Commendable - deserving praise
Excellence - exceptional, outstanding
Praise - express respect and gratitude towards
Only those who associate with God and who are given divine power can be morally excellent on this earth. Only God can free us from becoming victims of our biology.
Paul commands the Philippians "to deliberate," "to evaluate," "to meditate" on what is good and pure - in other words on the things that originate from God. In this way, Christians can renew their minds by capturing toxic thoughts and replacing them with God's truth. A mind dedicated to God's truth and focused on noble and honorable things will produce a life that can stand the test of time.
We can resist the temptations of our culture by meditating on God's truth and letting the Holy Spirit guide and shape our thoughts and behaviors.
So, children of God, let's capture those thoughts! 2 Corinthians 10:5!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
I've been thinking about training...
Remembering Dad
My dad grew up on a farm in Iowa. He tinkered and fixed all his life and he did it in a very thorough way. I remember standing next to him in our garage. Little me, dwarfed by his size and strength, focusing on the job in front of me because he was instructing me in hammering a nail. I remember he carefully trained me in the art of pounding - keeping the nail straight all the way into the board - and in the process patiently endured my crooked, miserable attempts.
He also had a very particular way of tackling any job at home. His way broke down into three distinct parts:
preparing to do the job
thoroughly doing the job
cleaning up from doing the job
Today I am sitting here marveling at the impact of his life upon mine once again. I realize that many people do not have the privilege of being the recipient of this kind of training. This is a loss to be sure because it helps a person to succeed in so many areas of life.
Have you noticed that while there always needs to be some kind of preparation for a job and the job sorta gets done - the cleaning up is another issue?
What about the:
loading, folding, wiping, squeegeeing, sweeping, hosing
disposing of dirty rags
putting tools away where they belong
starting a shopping list when supplies run low
emptying the vacuum and cleaning the filters
returning the tape dispenser, stapler, calculator, etc., etc., etc.
I am thankful that my dad took the time to train me in the art of finishing a task well. Right now, I am thinking fond thoughts, appreciative thoughts, remembering dad and his steady, thorough method of fixing. Thanks dad, so much!
Uh oh, but as I sit here, I am also remembering that I recently read that it is not a good idea to leave water in your iron between uses. Excuse me, I've got to run. I have something that needs to be finished up. Dad, I know you would be proud!
My dad grew up on a farm in Iowa. He tinkered and fixed all his life and he did it in a very thorough way. I remember standing next to him in our garage. Little me, dwarfed by his size and strength, focusing on the job in front of me because he was instructing me in hammering a nail. I remember he carefully trained me in the art of pounding - keeping the nail straight all the way into the board - and in the process patiently endured my crooked, miserable attempts.
He also had a very particular way of tackling any job at home. His way broke down into three distinct parts:
preparing to do the job
thoroughly doing the job
cleaning up from doing the job
Today I am sitting here marveling at the impact of his life upon mine once again. I realize that many people do not have the privilege of being the recipient of this kind of training. This is a loss to be sure because it helps a person to succeed in so many areas of life.
Have you noticed that while there always needs to be some kind of preparation for a job and the job sorta gets done - the cleaning up is another issue?
What about the:
loading, folding, wiping, squeegeeing, sweeping, hosing
disposing of dirty rags
putting tools away where they belong
starting a shopping list when supplies run low
emptying the vacuum and cleaning the filters
returning the tape dispenser, stapler, calculator, etc., etc., etc.
I am thankful that my dad took the time to train me in the art of finishing a task well. Right now, I am thinking fond thoughts, appreciative thoughts, remembering dad and his steady, thorough method of fixing. Thanks dad, so much!
Uh oh, but as I sit here, I am also remembering that I recently read that it is not a good idea to leave water in your iron between uses. Excuse me, I've got to run. I have something that needs to be finished up. Dad, I know you would be proud!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
I've been thinking about influence...
Maximizing Your Influence
What is influence? Do I have it? If I have it, how do I maximize it?
It has been said that every action of our lives touches some chord that will vibrate in eternity. If this is the case, then every choice matters and the lives we touch and how we touch them, matter more than we know.
Take a quick look around. Is anyone watching you? If they are, then you have some influence over them. This means you are having an effect on the development of their character.
There is a principle within the universe that goes something like this - the more we focus on our unique purpose and contribution - influence grows. (Biblical support - Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV)
Our contribution is recognized by others, not because we are trying to impress, but because we are good at what we do - we have a passion for it and we desire to continually improve our skills. (Biblical support - His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with little, I will set you over much..." Matthew 25:21 ESV)
When our contribution is excellent and that contribution is supported by excellent character, as well, others who are watching are inspired to follow our good example. (Biblical support - One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much... Luke 16:10 ESV)
Because true selfless service and godly character are rooted in a relationship with Christ, then it naturally follows, the greater likeness to Christ, the greater effect on others. What is the bottom line about influence in the Christian community? We inspire to cause others to aspire.
When others within our sphere of influence aspire to be better people and they are moved toward God through the Savior, Jesus Christ, this constitutes the highest form of stewarding influence over them.
Have you heard the phrase - blessed to be a blessing? I think it can be safely said that if you are stewarding your influence over another person for their eternal benefit, you can be assured that you are, indeed, maximizing your influence.
What is influence? Do I have it? If I have it, how do I maximize it?
It has been said that every action of our lives touches some chord that will vibrate in eternity. If this is the case, then every choice matters and the lives we touch and how we touch them, matter more than we know.
Take a quick look around. Is anyone watching you? If they are, then you have some influence over them. This means you are having an effect on the development of their character.
There is a principle within the universe that goes something like this - the more we focus on our unique purpose and contribution - influence grows. (Biblical support - Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV)
Our contribution is recognized by others, not because we are trying to impress, but because we are good at what we do - we have a passion for it and we desire to continually improve our skills. (Biblical support - His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with little, I will set you over much..." Matthew 25:21 ESV)
When our contribution is excellent and that contribution is supported by excellent character, as well, others who are watching are inspired to follow our good example. (Biblical support - One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much... Luke 16:10 ESV)
Because true selfless service and godly character are rooted in a relationship with Christ, then it naturally follows, the greater likeness to Christ, the greater effect on others. What is the bottom line about influence in the Christian community? We inspire to cause others to aspire.
When others within our sphere of influence aspire to be better people and they are moved toward God through the Savior, Jesus Christ, this constitutes the highest form of stewarding influence over them.
Have you heard the phrase - blessed to be a blessing? I think it can be safely said that if you are stewarding your influence over another person for their eternal benefit, you can be assured that you are, indeed, maximizing your influence.
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