SELECTIVE THINKING

I was just thinking…What are you thinking?

I honestly don’t know what you’re thinking as you begin reading this, or what you will think after reading this essay. Nevertheless, my intent is to encourage you in the disciplines of your thought life by applying selective thinking—choosing your thoughts based on biblical truths.

Learning to control your thoughts is a process that leads to freedom from an imprisoned mind shackled by life’s challenges, past experiences, and seemingly senseless situations that you really have no control over.

I’m sure you will agree that some of the simplest things of everyday life can be wearisome on the mind if you don’t control thoughts about a particular situation or matter.

For example, my 17-year old, Jonathan, has found his “first love.” He’s charting their month-to-month anniversary on the wall calendar. Their artistic creativity is exchanged through love letters, notes, and on scraps of papers I find throughout our home… (Oops! I’ve been snooping! Not really; there’s no “right to privacy” law in my kingdom). Guess what I’m thinking? You’re right! Oh, no! This relationship can’t be that serious! My mind is flooded with thoughts. What is he thinking? He should be thinking about graduation, college, and career. My thoughts are getting out of control. I tell myself to calm down; it’s not that serious. Well, yeah it could be if he doesn’t control his thoughts, imaginations, and actions. Wait! If I don’t get control of my thoughts I could become a weary, overprotective mother overwhelmed with anxiety, and uncontrollable emotions because I’m trying to analyze his reasoning, predict his hormone reactions, and manipulate his thinking process.

The truth is I don’t know what he’s thinking other than he’s in love. Therefore, rather than wasting time trying to manipulate his thoughts and making assumptions, I talk to him. I ask him his thoughts on love and relationships. I tell him and show him what God’s word says, and I personally model the way in my attitude and actions. No; I am not naïve. I know he’s not sharing all his thoughts. Did you share all yours with your parents when you were a teenager? Right…

Nevertheless, my responsibility is to teach him the importance of selective thinking. I must help him learn how to apply biblical principles in his relationships. It is my responsibility to show him that every aspect of life, especially his personal life, is governed by the power of his thoughts—positive or negative. Ultimately, he must learn to manage his thoughts— good, bad, right or wrong.

Controlling our thoughts through selective thinking empowers us to manage life, endure adversity, and be victorious over every situation.

Let’s consider Apostle Paul as our example along with his instructions recorded in Philippians 4. Although he was imprisoned in a Roman jail, he wrote this letter of encouragement to the church at Philippi. He was definitely in a situation where his perspective could have been distorted by his hardships. Unless he had controlled his thoughts through selective thinking, discouragement and disappointment would have been his daily doses of medicine.

How often do we let unfavorable circumstances be the energy that propels our negative thinking? In fact, studying Paul’s life, we learn that we cannot allow our mind to be imprisoned by negative thoughts of adverse circumstances. Using selective thinking to control our thoughts enables us to stay encouraged and encourage others to stand firm through difficulties.

If Paul had focused on the “down-side” of his situation and restrained his thoughts to the same, he would have given up on sharing the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ. No doubt, he would have aborted his divine mission. Instead, he chose to live in God-consciousness—seeing from God’s perspective and relying on his personal knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit. Consequently, he experienced the peace of God in the worst of situations and could help others do the same (Philippians 1:12; 4:4-7). Guess what? We can experience this same peace in the midst of adversity through selective thinking—choosing what we think about.

Paul closed his letter to the Philippians with the formula for securing the peace of God through the application of selective thinking—choosing your thoughts.

Here is what he said, “Finally…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Too often we spend more time listening to and thinking about lies than truth, or thinking about what’s wrong in our lives, the lives of others, the church, and the world rather than thinking about what’s noble and right. Oh, yeah! Don’t forget the quality time spent watching TV and movies that caters to our sin nature and carnal mind. Consequently, our mind, like a computer, receives a download of impure and wicked thoughts.

Choosing to control our thoughts by thinking on the things Paul listed in the above passage will change our attitude and our actions. It is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, what I find that’s equally important is Paul’s example of leadership. (v.9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Not only should we be selective in our thoughts, but we must remember that our conduct and conversations reveal our thoughts. Whether we hold positions or titles, we are all leaders. We are examples; we are Christ’s witnesses to the world. Therefore, we must model the way so that others can put into practice what they learn from us, receive or hear from us, and most definitely see in us. Needless to say, we should be modeling Christian character.

Perhaps you’re thinking my son was a petty example to use. But ultimately the point I want to make is this: Even in the simplest things of life we must channel our thoughts so that we add value to our life, our relationships, and our decision-making. Learning to control our thoughts through selective thinking positions and empowers us to offer encouragement, give insight and instructions that lead to purposeful living. After all, what we think is central to who we are, what we do, and how we live.

I was just thinking…

If every Christian accepted a leadership role, by modeling Christ-like character in daily simplistic living, using selective thinking, applying biblical principles, and obeying the Word of God, we could change what the “world” thinks about Christ. And the Presence, Peace, and Power of God would be manifested in and through us to advance the Kingdom of God.

I was just thinking…

What are you thinking?