Habit of thinking - Good habit or bad?

Habit of thinking - Good habit or bad?

He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” (Mark 9:35)

This is where I am today, as I read the Bible on how the disciples were arguing amongst themselves, trying to determine who was the most important, as if they could decide who was going to be first, next to Jesus. I thought I wanted to be first, however, in scripture I am learning that I must be willing to be last, to serve in the way God designed me to serve. I want to serve!

I like being on stage. It is not to be in the spotlight, but to have the opportunity to share ideas, thoughts, and truths from God’s word. It is exciting, to me, to watch a person's face change, as they grasp a new idea, a different way of thinking, then as they become determined to create a new habit of thinking, as the light bulb goes on with an “aha!”  It is having the opportunity to help another person create a new habit of thinking, to adapt to their adoption, through the exploration of God’s ways and truths, that is exciting to me.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.

(2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

Habit of Thinking

Sometimes we get in to such a rut in our thinking. It keeps us going back and forth in the same path, until we dig ourselves a ditch. This habit of thinking is something that we do without realizing we are doing it. The thinking is built off old beliefs, things from our environment, past experiences, and beliefs of others ingrained into our thinking. It is not something that we do consciously, we do it without realizing that we do it. Then a new idea comes along, and suddenly, we realize how our old thinking has trapped us, and old behaviors keep us trapped.

Jesus wants us to hear in new ideas, to hear new ways of thinking, His way. The Holy Spirit guides us with a voice inside, the nudge, that guides us. In that knowledge we hear His words, or we hear the world's words, and we have a choice to make which way do we go do I follow the world or do I follow Jesus. Maybe it is time to adapt to our adoption.

I read in 2 Peter 1:8-9

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

I do not want to be shortsighted or blind, I determine that I want to unpack these things, and gain direction in my life. I read, write, and take time to apply God’s ways to my life, to get out of the rut that keeps me repeating the same destructive behaviors.

How to Create New Thinking

Verse 3 tells me that “God has given me everything I need for living a godly life”.

Do I believe God’s word? 

Verse 4 – “And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

Peter gives us directions on how to be identified as God’s chosen children:

• Faith
• Moral excellence
• Knowledge
• Self-control
• Patient endurance
• Godliness
• Brotherly affection
• Love for everyone!

How do we do all of this? Not on our own power or strength. God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us. Surrender daily: Invite the Holy Spirit to lead us daily!

“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in out lives: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These is no law against these things.”  (Galatians 5:22-23)

I must respond to God, becoming willing to take action in building my character. To be productive and useful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, who guides me by the Holy Spirit. He will help me to develop self-control over the physical temptations of this world, over the emotions that toss me around like the waves of the sea, and the many distractions of this world. His Spirit empowers me!

Dear God,

Move me forward. May my feet follow where you lead me. Open my thoughts, I’ve been stubborn, I confess my behaviors to you Father. I ask for forgiveness. May my ears be open to your voice, and my thinking be open to your ways. Help me to be more like you in all I do. Every day in Every way! Amen

 Rita Shipman, MCC

480-861-4487

Rita is a Christian Counselor who wishes to help others to grow in their relationship with God. Rita has found that God's Will for her life is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible. She enjoys searching through scripture to grow in understanding and knowledge of God's Ways, Truth and Life. "To be supremely happy with Him in the next" (Serenity Prayer).