By: Monique Hatcher
Whether you realize it or not or even believe it, the way we think has been conditioned and programmed by external factors. The information that we use that determines how we treat others and the type of decisions we make, is directly related to how our minds are “wired” or programmed. Our perceptions, mindsets, and ideologies have been shaped and formed by a number of different elements. How we feel about situations and circumstances, and our response to them, has a lot to do with who and what formed our thinking. We are conditioned to think a certain way based on the influence in the homes we were raised in and how our parents thought about and handled things.
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Our formidable years is a period of time when we are most impressionable. We tend to take on the mindsets and behaviors of what we’ve heard and seen demonstrated in our homes. For example, if Mama used bleach in the dish water, then more than likely as adults we will use bleach in our dishwater. Our culture also has an influence on why we think what we think. Different norms and what is acceptable and unacceptable, is derived from certain demographics, language, and values consistent with that particular culture. Lastly, our own personal life experiences influence our mindsets.
When we come into the family of God, through accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we soon discover that how God thinks and how we think are quite the opposite. In order for us to benefit from our relationship with God, there has to be a paradigm shift. We have to learn to develop a new way of thinking that will require us to abandon some of the mentalities that we identify with. It reads in Romans 12:2:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We sometimes struggle with obedience to God due to an unrenewed mind. Our thoughts will produce actions in our lives. Our bodies will respond to the thoughts that are most predominant in us. This is why it’s so important to think the right things based on the truth of God’s word. We must get rid of “stinking” thinking. The enemy will always try to influence what we think. This is his method of operation. It reads in 2 Corinthians 10:5:
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
You’ll know if what you’re thinking about is in line with faith and God’s truth, based on how it affects your attitude. If you find yourself feeling discouraged, defeated, and hopeless, check out what you’re thinking about. Meditating on God’s word produces faith, hope, and peace and will cause you to act on what His word says. It ushers in a spirit of encouragement and causes you to see life through a lens of victory and blessings. It reads in Philippians 4:6-9:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
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How do we develop a new way of thinking based on God’s truth? We have to get to know God through His word and discover how He feels and thinks. We do this by reading and meditating His word until an exchange takes place. We surrender our negative, toxic thinking and receive His life-giving, victorious thinking. Meditating God’s word causes us to reprogram our minds and align our thoughts with the frequency of heaven. On this frequency is where all of our blessings, breakthroughs, and victories flow. We can hear the voice of God clearly, because we take the time to develop intimacy and relationship with Our Father by spending time with Him. God and His word are one. When we get to know the word of God, it’s the same as us getting to know God Himself. Let’s all practice developing the mind of Christ, so that we will experience the fullness of God and His will for our lives.
About the Author: I’m a single Mother of two daughters who loves to encourage, inspire, and uplift others with the Love and wisdom of God. It is my prayer that each person who reads my motivational messages of truth, based on the Word of God, will experience completely healed, transformed, and renewed lives. It is my hope that each person will reach their full potential in Christ Jesus. I am a member of All Nations Worship Assembly in Chicago, Il. The overseers are Drs. Matthew and Kamilah Stevenson.
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