Our mind is a gift!

Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.  If you have followed my blogs for very long; you will know that this verse COULD seem contradictory to what I believe.  We are made up of a body, soul and a spirit.  The spirit determines our identity!  What Jesus says about us is true, regardless of our behavior.  However, I’m learning a lot these days about changing the quality of my life by my thoughts. 

Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”  If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you are familiar with this verse.  I guess the world would define this verse as “positive thinking.”  But just making yourself think on anything positive is not the answer.  This verse says “whatever is true.”  If you are “IN Christ” the bible has a lot to say about YOU!

YOU have been made more than a conqueror. Romans 8:37

YOU have the mind of Christ. I Cor. 2:16

YOU have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. Eph. 1:3

YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139

YOU are God’s workmanship created IN Christ Jesus for good works. Eph. 2:13

YOU are citizens of the saints and are of God’s household. Eph. 2:19b

YOU have been bought with a price. I Cor. 6:20

As you think on those verses, how do you feel?  I know those truths make me feel great!  Remember our emotions follow our thoughts.  Now how do you feel when you think on the following thoughts?

I AM a failure.

I AM ugly.

I AM hopeless.

I AM a victim of my circumstances.

I AM unloved.

I AM stupid.

It doesn’t take long to get in a funk if you are thinking thoughts similar to these I just listed.  Our mind is a gift from God.  Scripture tells us to take every thought captive to Christ.  This must mean that thoughts do sometimes enter our minds to bring us down.  Don’t forget, we do have an enemy!  But take heart!!!  You have been given a WILL inside of your soul also.  YOU CAN CHOOSE to say no to negative thoughts and YES to truth about who you are IN CHRIST.  Remember our behavior does not determine our identity.  Birth determines identity.  And you have been born again into the family of God!  You are NOT a victim of your past or your current circumstances! (Science is showing that you truly CAN change the way you think.)  You are God’s child!  You are deeply loved!  You are in the process of becoming the person “on the outside”, that you TRULY are “on the inside”!