Today's scriptures prompt me to think about 'thoughts'. A recently popularized debate in my field is "Does language change the way we think?" For instance, does the fact that my language allows certain grammatical structures or uses certain words for things change the way I think about it. But, this morning, let's consider a more important and often forgotten concern... "Does Christianity change the way we think?" We know that it can, when we pray and ask the Holy Spirit. But do we do that? Do we allow Christ to change the way we think?
Phillipians 4:1-9 is one of my favorite scriptures, and perhaps if I thought about it each day, my day's thinking would be very different. But let's consider two distinct ways that Christ-like thinking can change our lives- in reactive and proactive situations.
Allow Christ to Change Your Thoughts
When You're Re-acting
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phillippians 4:1-9)
When I sang the chorus, "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice" jubilantly in Vacation Bible School, our joyous voices had it right... but little did I know the depth of that verse in its context. After all, it is not said when considering only those blessings that God has poured out on us. No... when you are anxious, when you have petitions (things you are longing for), when you are in every situation... rejoice in the Lord! Not only those days where we feel well, not only those days when we've caught up on sleep, not only vacation days. But rejoice in the Lord.
And there is sound reason for this. When you are upset, anxious, concerned, you can get caught up in a cycle of negativity that is binding. Jesus comes to set us free from our sins, some of which hide in our negative thoughts... which are harmful to both us and others. When we are nervous or anxious about so many things (finances, job, final papers, housing, etc), it is easy to get caught up in that negative worried rut.
But if we first thank God for our struggles, for being present and listening to our prayers, and for the many blessings he has given to us (a Godly spouse, a beautiful healthy child, an opportunity to study, a scholarship), our thinking is changed by those thoughts. We are then able to see the matter with eyes of hope and accept the peace that God wants to bring into our lives.
Now, it may seem crazy to thank God for our struggles. But, for example, when deciding between several job opportunities, we could thank God for the opportunities, options and decisions He has provided to us. When we are waiting back to hear from jobs, we could thank God for the blessing of finding open positions in a difficult time. By finding the silver lining, we remind ourselves of the good and the hope that outlines each situation... especially when we keep our purpose [glorifying God and obeying Him] in our mind. Any day that we can do that, is a blessed day!
Allow Christ to Change Your Thoughts
When You're Acting
8 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. 9 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.
However, it isn't just when we're reacting to hard situations. Perhaps you feel okay this morning. But we can be proactive. We can decide to take some time during our devotions, during our run, during our bikeride to campus to consider things that are praiseworthy.
Do you see a cute bunny hopping along and reminding you of Spring?
Praise God for that sign of new birth!
Do you hear a child's laugh or a baby's cry?
Praise God for His providence for that family's health and well-being.
Do you see a random act of kindness performed by a stranger?
A selfless act by a group of friends?
For instance, I praise God for the beautiful gift of love given last week by our friends. Brad and I switched apartments within our complex to save a little money each month with a swamp cooler. And at 8am in the middle of Finals week, five of our friends came to help us move all of our furniture from one house to another. They didn't give of what time they had, they gave of what time they didn't have. In fact, two of those individuals went to help another friend move in the morning. What a beautiful, lovely, true, right, and pure act! Brad and I felt so loved, and our friends' kindness was a true testimony to Christ. Because they were doing what they have seen Christ do in the scriptures... and putting it into practice (v.9).
So I pray for you all this morning... that the Holy Spirit may come and change your thinking, so that you may rejoice in the Lord in every circumstance and give praise for all the lovely, pure, right and true things you see!
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