“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2 NLT
“Fill your heart and mind with thoughts that are uplifting, edifying, and inspiring.”
My thoughts today are about “patterns of thought.”
Habits are hard to break, especially bad ones. Usually, if a person had the necessary discipline it takes to break an old habit, they probably would not have formed an unprofitable habit to begin with. Habits, both good and bad, can evidence themselves in various areas of a person’s life. Today, I am directing my comments to the problem of habitual thinking. Sometimes deeply rooted patterns of thinking can be most difficult to challenge and change.
If something is said, do you translate it negatively? If someone overlooks you, do you imagine it intentional? If someone does something, do you assume the worst motive? If others succeed, are you jealous? When others receive attention, do you wish it were you? Be wary of those patterns of thought. See 1 Corinthians 12:26 NKJV.
The Bible explains the problem, as well as offering the solution, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.” Romans 12:2 NLT. It is interesting that your thought patterns form the path to your behavior. The way to a new life is to change the way you think.
Behavior that subtly conforms to the surrounding culture’s reckless, self-indulgent lifestyle results from accepting their underlying values and ways of thinking. Entertainment, advertising, and others’ example and influence first shape the way you think, then eventually change the way you live your life.
You can break your habits, if you will arrest your thoughts. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV. Your thoughts form your beliefs; beliefs direct your choices; choices govern your actions; actions become your lifestyle. Thus habits are developed, whether to your benefit or harm. Take out the trash; bring in the truth!
God’s will for your life can be confusing if you allow your thoughts to be without clarity and conviction. Trying to empty your mind of wrong thoughts is a waste of time, neither productive nor effective; your best resource in order to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” is filling your heart and mind with thoughts that are uplifting, edifying, and inspiring.
Daily Bible reading, meditation on Scripture, and time spent devotionally in prayer are the practical ways you break old ways of thinking and establish new patterns of thought. God’s truth in your heart changes the way you think and will transform the person you are into the person you want to become. “Whatever things are true – noble – just – pure – lovely – of good report – virtuous – praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:7-8 NKJV. Choose what you dwell on mentally and emotionally. You hold the key. Paul’s premise was simple: “Let God transform you into a new person by (your) changing the way you think.”
My prayer for you today is that your pattern of thoughts is wholesome and holy.