“The only good way to think about anything is the way God thinks about it.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 21, 2023
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
Have you noticed that the world’s ways of thinking about things is completely different than the way God thinks about them?
For example, in his book, The Fulfillment Factor, Mike Kendrick writes:
The world says, “Be the top dog! The one who is worshipped wins!”
But God’s Word says, “If you want to be great in my Kingdom, you have to be a servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
The world says, “Repay those who hurt you.”
God’s Word says, “Do not repay evil for evil” (Romans 12:17).
The world says, “Get all you can and keep everything for yourself.”
God’s Word says, “Give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42).
When I recently read Kendrick’s sentiments, I thought:
Because God’s ways are not man’s ways, that means there will be times when I don’t think the way God thinks. And because I don’t always think the way God thinks, I need to determine to think how he thinks—about everything.
“This is what it means to not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
This will lead to peace, joy, and hope. Indeed, the only good way to think about anything is the way God thinks about it.
For example, if I’m unemployed and I’m concerned about the future, rather than thinking, This is going to be bad. I’m going to run out of money, I need to think the way God thinks about my situation: The Lord will provide all my needs according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19)
If I struggle with taking risks, rather than thinking I can’t, I’m just not courageous, I need to think about my ability the way God thinks about it: I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength. He has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. (Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7)
If I believe I am worthless, rather than thinking, I’m a bad person, I don’t deserve God’s love, I need to think about myself the way God thinks about me: I am loved no matter what I have done. Jesus died for my sin. He is mine and I am his.
When we think fleshly, ungodly thoughts we’ll reap the fruit of those thoughts. We’ll automatically feel defeated, afraid, and discouraged. But when we think about things the way God thinks about them, we’ll feel empowered, bolstered, strengthened, courageous, and hopeful.
The way you think will have massive power over you. It will either lead to abundant internal life, or it will tear you down and create stress in your heart and life.
The only good way to think about anything is the way God thinks about it.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Prayer
Lord, today I choose to think the way you think about everything in my life. Thank you that your truth leads to the abundant internal life you want to give me. I love you, Jesus. Amen.
Application
Write down your thoughts about yourself, your life, a current struggle, others, or anything else that comes to mind. Then ask yourself if your thoughts align with God’s. Are you thinking about the things on your list the way he thinks about them? Next, find a scripture for each item you listed. Then, choose to think the Lord’s thoughts.
Related Reading
1 John 3:3; Ephesians 5:9; Galatians 5:22
Worship Resource
Austin Stone: Your Thoughts for Us
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