The Possibilities of Thinking

Once we have established there are limitations to thinking, we need to turn our attention to its potential.

Our thoughts can be either a virtue or a vice - a strength or a weakness. They can cause us to return to a faithless past or lead us towards a faith-filled future.

The Bible says we can be ‘transformed’ by renewing our mind (Cf. Romans 12:2).

The word used is ‘metamorphosis’ - a change of shape.

A thought has the power to physically change the neural pathways in our brain – to shape our thinking. A meditation has the power to shape our lives.

In Shakespeare’s play, Henry V, the king inspires his soldiers, and says, “All things are ready, if our minds be so” (William Shakespeare. Henry V. Act 4. Scene 3).

When Jeremiah the prophet thought about his affliction, he became downcast, but when he meditated on God’s compassion, he gained hope (Cf. Lamentations 3:19-24).

As leaders we have the opportunity to change lives by changing mindsets.

As teachers we have the responsibility to encourage ‘wholesome thinking’ (Cf. 2 Peter 3:1).

But how can we do that?

And what is wholesome thinking?

That’s what I want you to think about.

Robert