Here we are again, at the end of another season, reflecting on what was and thinking about what is to come. But are we thinking about the right things and fixing our thoughts on the things we need to move forward into a new season? If you are not sure, many self-help publications claim to help guide our thoughts to a prosperous future. However, with the authority of Jesus Christ, I testify that the Bible is the greatest self-help publication ever written, and it guides our way to a prosperous and glorious future. The God we serve encourages us to fix our thoughts on what is good, righteous, and just. What a person thinks strengthens or weakens them, “for as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7).
If we spend our time thinking about what other people think of us, we will fix our thoughts on a future that pleases others, which may or may not be good, righteous, and just. Yes, most of us want to please our parents; well, stop rebelling against their authority. Prayerfully, we have good parents who set righteous and just rules. Do not take this the wrong way, I am not encouraging anyone to follow the ways of parents who are drug addicts and alcoholics. If your father and mother have forsaken you, allow the Lord to take you in (Psalm 27:10).
Remember, with Christ, all things are possible and if we abide in Him, His peace will penetrate our thoughts and guide our way. Be like Paul and do not allow those seeking to discredit your ministry to distract you from your calling. Even under persecution, Paul stayed the course, saying to the Philippians: “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” (Phil. 4:8). When our minds drift to thoughts that are unworthy of a child of God, we should renew our thinking with thoughts that are noble and honorable.
Remember our calling is a humble one and a quiet and gentle spirit is precious to God. What we think shapes our emotional and spiritual well-being. The Bible, my Self-Help Guide, encourages us to set our minds on faith, hope, and love. Focus on lovely thoughts about family and friends. When we become fixated on shameful things such as pornography and revenge, we should refresh our spirit with the Lord’s truth. Do not be deceived, responsible thinking and praiseworthy thoughts are always available from the Word of God, which when rightly divided will deliver us from evil. Do not fix your thoughts on bitterness, anger, and revenge. “All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice” (Eph. 4:31). To find what we need to refocus our thinking, rejoice with an attitude of gratitude. Fix your thoughts on what is good, righteous, and just.
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
