Thought Control

We humans think all the time, but some of this may be doing us more harm than good. The Bible tells us that "as man thinketh so he is" which reminds us that the content of our thoughts is very important.

Thinking falls into many categories. We have to think about what we need before we go shopping; we hear some news and have to decide what we will do about it, etc. Then there are the negative thoughts, often in the form of worries. We speculate about something that might happen to us, or we mull over a loss or failure or disappointment. Negative thoughts are destructive and unless we see this clearly, and control them, we depress ourselves, spread doom and gloom through our friends and undermine our creative powers. All so unnecessary and should be tackled by mature people.

Positive thinking can lift our spirits, enhance our lives and make people glad to have us around. The Bible insists that thought control is our privilage and responsibility. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said:- "Have no anxious thoughts about tomorrow and set your minds on God's kingdom" (Matthew 6:25-34), Paul wrote a wonderful letter to the Philippians in which he reminds us:- "The Lord is near, have no anxiety, be thankful for blessings, enjoy God's peace and think about the things that are lovely, noble and good". Read the passage carefully (Phillipians 4:5-9) and notice what he promises IF we put all "this into practice". Yes, in the last resort all the good advice we may get from Scriptures, must be "PUT INTO PRACTICE" by each of us, and no one can do it for us, nor can we do it for another.

As we make our New Year resolutions, what about a serious programme for thought control. Make a list of ten things we should thank God for every day and read it every morning. Adopt a Bible Reading course to help put our thoughts into a divine context. Bring more cheer into our conversations,the days will soon get longer and Spring is not far ahead; the shortest day is before Christmas! Be aware of the negative influences of our news media; they are much better at bringing bad news than good tidings and they keep the national temperature much too low for our health and happiness.

Finally don't say to yourself; "I am a natural worrier, I can't help it". This itself is irresponsible self-destruction. You CAN CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS with some will power and discipline, and YOU SHOULD DO THIS for your own well-being and that of others.

All of which make us think, doesn't it.

Keep Trying.

Ken.