The Power of Positive Thinking
1/17/2018

 
"Finally, brothers and sisters, 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)

 

Mindsets are crucial -- they are keys to one's attitude and actions.  A person's thought life brings them joy or sorrow, worry or contentment, hope or hopelessness or causes one to see either the positive or the negative in life.  The way one thinks, is the result of the decision one makes regarding whom we will serve in life.  Paul wrote, "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness"?  (Romans 6:16) The wise man also wrote, for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you. (Proverbs 23:7).  The Bible tells us that we choose our own mindsets -- we choose to be positive or negative -- we choose to worry or to be happy--we choose to see things and think certain things by the choices we make with our minds.

 

As we fill our minds and hearts with the true, the noble, the just, the pure, the lovely, and the good, then God will lift us up and grant us peace (Philippians 4:7). This kind of life is also very important because we have an awesome responsibility to show the world what Christ is like.  But it's hard to do that because pouring out of television, movies, novels, and magazines is the very opposite of the positive things Paul mentions.  Growing in holiness is not easy. Pride and self-seeking must be put to death and that's exceedingly hard. Not only that, but dealing with people can be extremely difficult. The natural tendency of the world is to entice Christians to lose their joy and return to the world.

 

But the great point Paul makes is that there are things that can help us fulfill our duty in Christ and to glorify Him. They can help us rejoice in Christ when we face difficult times. They can help us praise Him and lift His name high even though we are being tried (James 1:2-4). They can help us appreciate God's goodness and His glory and lift our hearts to Him, and at the same time demonstrate to the world what our Lord is like.

 

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things". (Colossians 3:1-2).  Surround yourself with everything praiseworthy. Drink in the true, noble, pure and lovely and allow God to grant you His peace.

 

JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE

 

I am weak, but Thou art strong;

Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

I'll be satisfied as long

As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

 

Refrain:

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

 

Through this world of toil and snares,

If I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares?

None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o'er,

Time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o'er

To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

 

Words: Unknown author

 

"Daily Devotions by Guy Roberson"

Walnut Street Church of Christ

 

 

 

 






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