Think Differently
by Ross Gerber

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

What we think about and how we think has an impact on how our day goes. It’s raining outside. It’s too hot (or too cold). Why didn’t she say hello to me when we saw each other? Why did he get that promotion at work? So much of our thinking surrounds things we wish were different. And much of the way we think is based on assumptions about others actions toward us, or our own perceived inadequacies.

In his book, “Thinking for a Change,” John C Maxwell says, “If you are willing to change your thinking, you can change your feelings. If you change your feelings, you can change your actions. And changing your actions based on good thinking can change your life.”

Why should we change our thinking? Because it is the one thing that will make all the difference in your life! When we correct our thinking we begin down the pathway of problem solving and creativity. When we change our thinking we begin to emerge from a sea of negative thoughts and difficulty. We focus on good things and release our ability to be productive and we restore hope in our lives.

I am amazed at how easy it is to think negatively about life and, yes, about God. We choose to believe things that are contrary to God’s Word. “God never answers my prayers” is totally contrary to “He hears me when I pray.” And “Things never work out for me” cannot be reconciled with “And we know that all things work together for the good…” What we find, if we are honest with ourselves, is that we have a need to think differently because, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he” (Proverbs 23:7) King David is one who had many negative thoughts. Just read the Psalms. In so many cases he writes about his troubles and struggles. But always, before the chapter ends, he has turned his heart and chosen to agree with who God is. And he makes his declaration, the words of his mouth to be consistent with his God

We have a choice every day. We can decide to change our thinking so our thoughts are more in agreement with what God says and thinks about us and about life. Good thinking produces more good thinking if we make it a habit. Let’s go on a journey together. Let’s take the next thirty days to think differently, to guard what comes out of our mouth and purpose to align our thoughts with what God says in His word. Write me on Facebook or send me an email and let me know how the experiment goes for you.

Blessings,
Ross

Ross Gerber has been on staff at Grace Christian Fellowship in Sturgis, Michigan for the last 26 years and served as senior pastor for 16 of those years. He is the director and founder of Strategic Ministry Partnerships International (www.smpionline.org) along with his wife Jennifer. SMPI offers leadership training seminars, runs a child sponsorship program and oversees a farm operation in East Africa which provides food for a school in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. Ross currently serves on the Apostolic Council of Lifelinks International.