10 Things To Abandon For Spiritual GrowthSample

Abandon: Negative Thinking

The way we think has a tremendous amount of influence on our lives. Our thoughts can motivate us, make us mad, or even deceive us. We’ve all been there - someone else is talking to us and we’re wondering if they're thinking we’re cute or if we’re good enough to be their friend. All the while, perhaps they’re thinking the same thing or they’re thinking about what's for dinner!

Not only does negative thinking affect our relationships, it can also affect our performance academically and in the workplace. When we criticize ourselves with negative thinking, our bodies lose much needed energy. This wasted energy keeps us from performing at our highest potential, which unfortunately, tends to keep the negative thinking going.

How do we abandon negative thinking? Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV) We need to fill our minds with whatever is true and right that God puts before us each day. Is it easy? No. Is it something we have to work at each day? Yes!

Prayer:
Our Father, help us to think about things that are good, beautiful, and excellent. May we learn to recognize when negative thoughts come our way to filter them out quickly so they don’t zap our energy. May the way You love us motivate us, give us energy, and guide us to live meaningful lives for Your glory.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.