DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK
Having control over our thoughts is one of the most important things we can do each day. As believers, we are to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Consider the importance of this discipline specifically for your marriage... what are you thinking about your spouse? Are you letting annoyances and frustrations guide your thoughts? Or are you filtering everything through the lens of God's word? Check out this great read from Scott & Dawn Smith:
“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Proverbs 23:7
You’ve heard it said, “You are what you eat.” There’s also another reality. You are what you think. Think about it. What have you been thinking lately? How have those thoughts affected you?
Growing up, after making a bumble headed decision, you were probably asked emphatically, “What were you thinking?!” In hindsight, that’s a great question. That question gets to the heart of why we react and respond the way we do.
You see, our thoughts often shape what we believe, how we feel, how we act and how we behave. There are consequences to how we think. In short, what we are thinking today will largely determine what tomorrow will look like for us.
How have your thoughts shaped what you presently believe – about yourself, about your relationships, the world around you and maybe God, Himself? How have those thoughts shaped how you’re feeling, how you’re acting and behaving?
I saw a bumper sticker one time that made me laugh. It simply said, “Don’t believe everything you think!” The more I thought about that statement, the more truth there seemed to be within it. Be careful what you think! Not everything you think is true or helpful. Take your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is what I’ve been thinking about God, myself, and those I love true?
- Is what I’ve been thinking about God, myself, and those I love helpful?
- If there is any falsehood in my thinking, what do I need to do about it?
- How can I replace false beliefs and harmful thoughts with thoughts that are true and helpful?
- What are the consequences of my thoughts? As a result of my thoughts, do I spiral up towards an abundant life or spiral down towards a destructive life (John 10:10)?
