31 August 2011
A thought is only an idea that takes root in our heart ,if it is stays for a long time it becomes an action. Our thoughts determine our heart, which determines our words and actions. To bring our thoughts in confined state ,we have to hold them within Godly bounds.“..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. Whatever you have learned or received ……put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9).“The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. “(Genesis 6:5 ) .
All thoughts are getting its origin from the heart.“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”(Matthew 15:19).
Wandering thoughts has to be controlled and managed then it is beneficial and important. Apostle Paul wrote “…casting down arguments …. bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
You may have a question in your mind -How can I control my thoughts? How can to manage my thoughts? Thoughts are largely hidden beneath our conscious. Our ‘thought life’ contains a huge collection of information’s such as beliefs, values, attitudes, opinions, ideas , remorse feelings, ethics , principles etc, they have accumulated for years and stored in our minds.
We use these thoughts to give meaning to our external social, physical, emotional and spiritual life. Voluminous amount of stored information may be accurate, blind or vague. Hence Paul wrote, “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (1 Corinthians 4:4).
Thoughts are wingless idea or opinion, which can go to any extend to do anything. So the importance of managing our thoughts can be stressed as “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2).
You can control those distorted thoughts that race through your mind causing destructions and damages. It has a long routine course of action such as:
- identify your internal thoughts, that wait or live below your sub- conscious level.
- try to analyze your thoughts that comes to mind – the good or bad,
- Do not censor or evaluate, monitor, or change the pattern of thoughts.
- Write all your thoughts on a piece of paper-Analyse- how can we be manage your thoughts .
- Identify the illogical and defeating thoughts. It is very disturbing to do away with those thoughts.
- You can memorize a Bible verse to knock -out the distorted thinking. Every time a thought of self analysis and criticism comes up, you can counteract by clinging on to the promises of God like, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).” “If God is for us, who is against us…Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies” (Romans 8:31, 33).
- Substitute evil thoughts with a New Thoughts- may be biblical, positive , negative or a accurate thought, whatever seems to be a right thought.
- Develop a new attitude or environment in and around you, no matter where you are and what you are.
- Try to manage and control your thoughts with prayer. Prayer causes new thinking in the form of faith. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
- Ask God for strength, wisdom, guidance, and better understanding .Always ingrain in your mind that, "I(you ) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.( Philippians 4:13).Paul stresses the principle of positive thoughts as:“…. brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, what is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
- Finally try to apply all your new thoughts into Practice, and there by it will be accustomed as your new behavior. Read this instruction, “The things you have learned and received and heard’ …..practice these things” (Philippians 4:9).
- Learn to pass it on to others, what you have found supportive in your own life. Let God be glorified.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts”. ( Isaiah 55:8)
BEAT NEGATIVE BY POSITIVE!
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