You are what you think

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “God’s power in you and for you”

Our Bible verse for today: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “You are what you think”

I have long loved the writing of Max Lucado. Through his clear, simple writing style I have learned much about God and about living the Christian life. I think I have probably read just about everything Max has written over the last thirty years, and I probably have most of those books in my library. Currently, I’m reading his latest book, “Tame Your Thoughts: Three tools to renew your mind and transform your life.” I’m only three chapters into it but I’ve already concluded that it is a great book.

Here’s a snippet from chapter one: “We are what we think… We are the sum of our thoughts. Positive thoughts generate positive actions. Negative thoughts activate negative behavior. Behind every angry outburst is an angry belief. Behind every kind gesture is a kind notion. Behind every jealous comment is a … well, you get the idea.”

In Romans 12:2 the Apostle Paul contrasts two kinds of people: one who is conformed, and one who is transformed. One has a mind that has been conformed to the thinking of the world (and therefore the person acts in worldly ways.) The other has a mind that has been transformed by the Holy Spirit and who therefore acts in godly ways.

In some respects, your brain is like a lump of Play-Doh. Remember Play-Doh from your childhood? It was a clay-like substance that was gooey and malleable. You could push it into a plastic mold of a tree, or a house, or a person, and the Play-Doh would take that form. Neuroscientists tell us our that brain is similar to a lump of Play-Doh in that it can be shaped and formed. The question is, “Who is doing the shaping and what form is the brain taking?”

God has the power to transform you by molding and shaping your thought patterns. But your thoughts are driven by the information you take in. Paul’s point in Romans 12:2 is that the burden is on you to put good information into your brain. The Holy Spirit will then take that good information and mold your brain (transform it) to think in ways that honor God. When your thoughts have changed your behaviors will change too and you will have been transformed in ways that are good and which are pleasing to God (Romans 12:2).

It really is true, “you are what you think.”

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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