Perspectives

What are you thinking about?

By Tim Morrow
Posted 2/25/21

I have always been fascinated by the mind. Not being a neurologist, actually not even close, I certainly cannot tell you the interworking of the human brain. But it is obvious that what we think …

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Perspectives

What are you thinking about?

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I have always been fascinated by the mind. Not being a neurologist, actually not even close, I certainly cannot tell you the interworking of the human brain. But it is obvious that what we think affects what we do and how we act.

There was a study by Queens University recently that said people have 6,200 thoughts per day. Another study published by the National Science Foundation claimed in their findings that people have 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. That is quite the gap between 6,200 and 60,000. However, one thing I can conclude from these studies is we think a lot!

For the Christian, this begs the question, “What am I thinking about”? There are so many things that pull at our minds and emotions that cause us to think all sorts of things. For the Christ-follower, I must realize that my mind, or thinking, must come under some controls and protection. Otherwise, my bad thinking will result in bad conduct and bad choices. We need Jesus, through the work of the Holy Spirit, to help us guard our thinking. 

The apostle Paul says, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT) However, Paul says the key to keeping our minds on virtuous things is found in the previous verse when he states, “...you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NLT) 

The conclusion of these two verses is that when we “live in Christ Jesus,” our minds and hearts are guarded by him. The result of that is thinking that produces virtuous thoughts. The result of virtuous thinking is a virtuous lifestyle.

I’ve always heard growing up, “garbage in garbage out.” Is your mind (thinking) being guarded by Jesus Christ? Let’s ask the Lord today to help us with our bad, sinful, unhealthy thinking by first working on our own relationship with Jesus Christ. So, what are you thinking about?

 

(Tim Morrow is the pastor of the New Life Church of Powell.)

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