RIGHT THINKING

For as he thinks within himself, so he is. — PROVERBS 23:7

Our thoughts determine our actions, and our actions determine who we are. If we are to make good decisions, it is important for us to think correctly.

Learning about Right Thinking, years ago, changed my life! I hope these three steps will be helpful for you, as well.

Step One is Unlimited Thinking. It is easy to read Philippians 4:13, and to claim, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. But, how do we carry that out? I learned, “Throughout life, the winds of adversity will be blowing in our faces; we must lean forward into the wind in our thinking.”

That got my attention! I was a pretty negative thinker, and I saw a lot of things from the standpoint of difficulties, instead of opportunities. I needed to do a better job of thinking about the trials that I faced. Satan had been telling me in first person, with a Hoosier accent, that I was no good, and couldn’t do anything right, so I thought that was me. No wonder I was depressed!

Step Two is Christ-like Thinking. Philippians 2:5-8 says, Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Jesus exhibited servant leadership throughout his life. He humbled Himself, first, by giving up His godly rights in Heaven, and condescending to live the life of a human on earth. He humbled Himself by being totally submissive to the will of the Father, allowing Himself to be subjugated by the depravity of man’s leadership on earth, becoming sin on the cross, so that He could conquer sin. He was obedient to God’s plan for Him to be the perfect sacrifice, dying on the cross to accomplish His purpose. Thus, He was faithful to His calling. Jesus was humble, obedient, and faithful.

Step Three is Positive Thinking. Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

These are all positives! Thinking on these things will dispel the negative thoughts that destroy us! May Right Thinking characterize your life in these latter days of 2022

Rom 12:2 says, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,… The world is hung-up on Wrong Thinking; allow God to transform your mind to Right Thinking!

Think and pray
Paul instructs us not to blindly believe every thought that pops into our minds, but to “take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Father, thank You for leading me to new thoughts about myself, thoughts that are Christ-like, and thoughts grounded in Your truths. Thank You for loving me with Your everlastining and compassionate love. Amen.

Eldon Kibbey has served as the Director of CBMC Indiana since 1998. His earlier career included a tour of duty with the US Air Force, a brief career in the aerospace industry with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, and then 26 years at the helm of a national janitorial service. Eldon and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of four children, and have three grandsons.