What do you think about?

The things we think about shape our attitudes. Attitudes shape our actions and words. Actions and words form the bulk of our lives. So, it is a good idea to look at what is influencing our thought lives.

We also know that the enemy is in the business of getting into our thoughts, lying to us, deceiving us, and doing his best to render us ineffective and unproductive in our lives. For example, I love talk radio. But a year or two ago I realized that listening to it was making me anxious and grumbly. I realized I needed a change. So, I started listening only to classical music. After a while, I became less distractible and more focused.

Can we even control what we think about? I think there might be two ways to think: passively and actively. Passive thinking means your thoughts happen to you. Active thinking means you decide what you think about and dwell on.

A reasonable goal for a Christian is this: to allow God to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Colossians 3:1 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

How do we set our hearts and minds on things above? Romans 12:2 reads, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

To renew our minds we must ask God to turn our thoughts to Him, the creator and renewer of all things.  We must meditate on the Word of God, because it “is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

1. Take a minute and write down answers to these questions.

· What do you think about a lot?

· Who or what has influence over what you think about?

2. Pray right now and ask God to consistently turn your thoughts to His attributes. 

3. Try thinking about these attributes of God and how you have seen them at work in your life.

Almighty · Creator · Deliverer · Faithful · Holy · Incomprehensible · Loving · Merciful · Patient · Provider · Sovereign · Understanding · Wise

4. Remember that because of God, those who trust in Him are:

(Always look into the context of Scriptures cited!)

God’s child (John 1:12)

God’s friend (John 15:15)

Forgiven (Colossians 1:14)

United with God (1 Corinthians 6:17)

Temples of His presence (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Complete (Colossians 2:10)