One of the most life-changing revelations we can have is to find out that we can do something about our thoughts. We can practice “on-purpose thinking.” We do not have to meditate on everything that pops into our minds; we can choose what we want to think about. We can choose power-enhancing thoughts-not power-draining thoughts. We can be deliberate about what goes on in our minds.
We can break up with bad habits and form good habits. In fact, learning to think great thoughts on purpose is the key to a great life. We often allow ourselves to buy into the world’s idea of a “great life.” We may equate greatness with fame, fortune, athletic success, celebrity status, remarkable business or scientific achievements, or physical attractiveness. But none of these things constitutes a truly great life. In fact some of the most famous and wealthy people in the world are some of the most miserable ones.
To really have a great life, I believe a person has to have love, peace, joy, right standing with God, good relationships, and other qualities the world does not necessarily consider “great.” Without these things, how could anyone’s life be great? Just think about it: what do we really have without peace and joy; life is full of strife and misery; and no one considers that a great way to live.
Think about It
What is your own personal definition of a great life?
Helpers Needed
To some people, the term helper carries with it second-class connotations. Classroom helpers assist trained teachers in their classes. Helpers assist trained electricians, plumbers, and lawyers on the job. Because they aren’t as skilled in the profession, they might be viewed as having less value. But everyone is needed to accomplish the task.
The apostle Paul had many helpers in his work of ministry. He listed them in his letter to Rome (ch.16). He made special reference to Phoebe, who “has been a helper of many and of myself also” (v.2). Priscilla and Aquila risked their own lives for Paul (vv.3-4). And Mary, Paul said, “labored much for us” (v.6).
Helping is a spiritual gift, according to 1 Corinthians 12:28. Paul listed it among the gifts from the Holy Spirit that are given to believers in Christ’s body, the church. The gift of “helps” is just as needed as the others that are listed.
Even the Holy Spirit is called a “Helper.” Jesus said, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit . . . will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).
In whatever ways the Holy Spirit, the Helper, has gifted you, let Him use you for His honor.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gifts You have
given me so that I might serve the
body of Christ. Help me to be faithful to use
my gifts to bring You glory.
You are a necessary part of the whole.
Insight
Today’s passage is found near the end of Paul’s theological masterpiece-the epistle to the Romans. As Paul concludes his letter, he greets people by name. His final appeal to maintain unity in Christ is followed by this marvelous phrase of worship: “To God, alone wise, is glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen” (v.27).
Read: Romans 16:1-16
The Helper, the Holy Spirit . . . will teach you all things.
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 23-24; Mark 1:1-22
