So much time, effort and care is spent worldwide on the health and condition of our bodies in what we eat, wear and do. Yet how nonchalant are we about one of the most important basic resources we have – our mind?
Take for example the fact that most of us realise that if we cut our leg we need to clean the wound and apply a band aid, yet when our thoughts and consequently our emotions are hurting or toxic we often disregard the signs of damage and carry on as if nothing has happened, while our thoughts and emotional wounds bleed everywhere.
Likewise we can concentrate on feeding our bodies healthy food for optimal health…(well we think about it), yet how much consideration goes into what we are feeding our minds?
What we feed our minds and how we deal with our thoughts will largely determine our attitudes; how we think, our behavior and even how our immune system operates and our vulnerability to sickness. It all flows from how we think, which is actually what God says…” for as he thinks within himself, so is he” (Prov 23:7-9 TPT)
Some call these principles of what we are thinking about and their consequences the law of cognition and the law of exposure.
Research reveals that the law of cognition – you are what you habitually think, influences every area of our being. That’s because there is always a connection between the inward and the outward condition. Consistently choosing to feed and cultivate good thinking will produce healthy emotions, desires, and honourable intentions. Good thinking cannot produce bad results, just as bad thinking can’t produce good results. (Matthew 7:17-20)
The law of exposure is that our minds will think about what they are most exposed to. What we repeatedly feed on and allow to occupy our thoughts, eventually shapes our mind and will then be expressed in what we do and who we become.
Much the same as you can’t expose children to hours of violence and graphic pictures of destruction and then be surprised if fights break out at school, home or in violent acts in the community. What people saturate their minds with is what people become.
Repeated exposure to sexual images on T.V, computers, phones, the places we frequent, magazines, movies, music, even emails and advertising that even children innocently can be bombarded with also has an array of effects, yet people act surprised when promiscuity, sexual addictions and rates of relationship breakdowns continually rise while faithfulness and stability decline.
Research, science the bible and just observing our society all point to the fact that everything we look at, listen to, talk and daydream about is shaping our minds and ultimately our character and destiny.
Thankfully God has some good news. He says we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds and literally change our lives; our actions, relationships and future by renewing our thinking to think like He does.
To become Jesus focused instead of self and the world focused and to constantly and consistently locate our thoughts upon Him. It’s why Paul said, think on these things…that are lovely, pure and praiseworthy for when we focus on Jesus we will be inspired to think differently…to think God kind of thoughts, which lead to hope producing thoughts, that lead to a transformed life. (Philippians 4:8)
Today I encourage you to expose your mind and heart to those resources, books, music, people, places and conversations that will point you towards Jesus and a renewed confidence and hope for the future.
Assess honestly the sources that most damage your thinking, cause you to stumble or get you distracted. Then make a decision to surround yourself instead with sources (media, people, places and activities) that expose and cause you to think higher and deeper, and which feed your hope and relationship with Jesus and the way of life He has for you to live.
Then make the effort to rearrange your life accordingly…and remember that, “in consistency lies the power!”
“So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honourable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things.” (Philippians 4:8-9 TPT)
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)
Prayer: Lord please forgive me where I have allowed sources other than what is pleasing to you to adversely affect my life, decisions and future. Would you please strengthen me to live according to the plan you have for me and by the truth in your Word. I choose to think upon those things that you say and to seek you first in my every conversation, thought and deed today. In Jesus name Amen.
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