We need to constantly renew our minds with the truth of God’s Word. We need to be “lifetime. learners.”I used to be a very negative person, so it took daily determination for me to reprogram my thinking. It took time, but gradually, as I applied new knowledge to this challenge, I developed a new way of thinking. Even though approaching things from a positive perspective has now become my normal response I still make it a point to read and study in this area periodically to give myself “refresher courses.” I know it was a major weakness for me and I never want to assume I have learned all there is to learn and know all there is to know. The dumbest person in the world is the one who thinks they know it all and have no more need to learn.
If we can learn to agree with God in our thoughts-to think the way He wants us to think-then we can have what He wants us to have, be who He wants us to be, and do what He wants us to do. I have said many times, “We have to think about what we’re thinking about,” and I believe it now more than ever. If you’re in a bad mood, ask yourself what you have been thinking about, and you’ll probably find the root of your mood. If you’re feeling sorry for yourself, just think about what you’re thinking about; your attitude may need adjustment. Remember, “Where the mind goes, the man follows.” Our moods are directly linked to our thoughts, so good thoughts will produce good moods.
Think Responsibly!
We need to take responsibility for our thoughts. We must stop acting as if there is nothing we can do about them. God has given us the power to resist the devil by choosing to think on things that are godly and good. It gives me tremendous hope when I realize that I can be assured of a better life by thinking good thoughts. That is exciting!
God will show us what to do to “clean up” our thinking, but He will not do it for us. He gives us His Word to teach us, and His Spirit to help us, but only we can make the decision to do what we should do. You can learn to think properly and powerfully if you want to; it will take time but it is an investment that pays great dividends. The Bible is a record of God’s thoughts, ways, and deeds. As we agree with it, we are agreeing with God!
Think about It
Have you taken personal responsibility for your thoughts and attitudes? If not, write down that today is the day that you begin to take responsibility for how you think, jot down the date, and sign it as if you are making a contract with God.
True Love
During the rehearsal for my brother’s wedding ceremony, my husband snapped a picture of the bride and groom as they faced each other in front of the pastor. When we looked at the photograph later, we noticed that the camera’s flash had illuminated a metal cross in the background, which appeared as a glowing image above the couple.
The photograph reminded me that marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for the church as shown on the cross. When the Bible instructs husbands to love their wives (Eph. 5:25), God compares that kind of faithful, selfless affection to Christ’s love for His followers. Because Christ sacrificed His life for the sake of love, we are all to love each other (1 John 4:10-11). He died in our place, so that our sin would not keep us separate from God for eternity. He lived out His words to the disciples: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Many of us suffer from the pain of abandonment, rejection, and betrayal. Despite all of this, through Christ we can understand the sacrificial, compassionate, and enduring nature of true love. Today, remember that you are loved by God. Jesus said so with His life.
Nothing speaks more clearly of God’s love than the cross of Jesus.
Insight
In the ancient Roman hierarchy, to be a “friend of Caesar” meant having a close relationship with the highest seat of power. Such “friends” knew the emperor so well that they actually opened his mail and carried on his correspondence. They also showed a willingness to serve the emperor as he directed. So it is for the follower of Christ today. The Lord Jesus has called us “friends” (John 15:15). He has let us in on His intimacy with His Father and wants us to share His message of love with others. Certainly, to be the friend of Jesus is to be in relationship with the highest seat of power (Phil. 2:5-11).
Read: John 15:9-17
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 15-16; Matthew 27:1-26
