“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Without exception each of us finds the principle of acquiring better habits a challenge. That’s why at the beginning of each New Year, resolutions are made, agreements are signed with fitness centers, workout equipment and cd’s are purchased, weight-loss centers experience exponential growth and numerous books are purchased.
Good habits are not acquired by even the best of intentions, but the thoughts of better habits must actually precede the action.
Good habits are not acquired simply by making good resolves, though the thought must precede the action. Good habits are developed and become a part of our character and life by putting forth the effort in the workshop we know as life itself!
Each of us in order to have happier and more ordered lives must learn to find the God of peace in EVERY circumstance we are confronted by. Paul demonstrated before the eyes of early Christians how to find the right place to always be … by thinking about and serving actively the Lord of his life … Jesus Christ!
We live in troubling times with much that causes uncertainty, imbalance, doubts and fears. We are rightfully concerned about what kind of world our children and grandchildren will live in. This world can be a lonely and unloving place, but not for the child of God who can stay focused on the God in whom he believes and trusts with all of his heart and soul. Bearing true spiritual fruit in this world is what God expects of us and as always He provides the means to accomplish it. We must give more thought to the greatness of God and His inspired will for us and to the hope of Heaven when this life is ended! Conversely, giving in to the thoughts of evil, rebellion and indifference to pleasing the Lord will only lead to wrong choices with eternal consequences.
“Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words. Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions. Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits. Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character. Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.” — Chinese Proverb, author unknown
Rather than playing the blame game to excuse ourselves from better habits, refusing to wallow in the cesspool of self-pity and finding some sense of betterment by being angry, dwelling on the hurts and disappointments of the past and being the victim … choose to take the high road of being more like the Lord and those counted among the faithful mentioned in Hebrews 11 and highlights throughout the New Testament!
Here are just a few of the “right” thoughts we should be choosing to dwell on, mull over and be thankful for:
- Stay resolved to walk in truth … believe only the truth … and protect the truth as a sentry would as he stands on guard to protect others! But always do so with love! (1 Corinthians 15:58) Are you listening with your heart to these words?
- Think honorable, good and holy thoughts! Thing the kinds of thoughts that wouldn’t embarrass you if the world could see them in print. The Apostle Paul’s admonition is indicative of “keep on thinking these thoughts”, not just once in a while or when things are really going bad, but all of the time! Are you listening with your heart to these words?
- If you focus on the truth, you will speak the truth.
- If you look on noble things, nobility will mark your life.
- If you seek out lovely things, your life will be lovely to others.
- If you dwell on that which is right, then that which is wrong will have attraction to you.
- If you think on pure things, you will become pure.
- If you look for virtue, you will find it.
- If you search for higher things, you will elevate your own life.
Do you really want to go Heaven when this life is over? If so, please understand that Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people!
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
No comments yet.