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WHAT FILLS YOUR MIND?

"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."Philippians 4:8

People aren’t expressing thanksgiving because their minds are preoccupied with things. Have you ever felt you were so busy that you were greeting a loved one on the run? In other words, you are so busy being involved that you have lost priority in what matters. Life is busy. If you aren’t retired, your day may involve work, children, school, extracurricular activities, church, volunteering, sports, trips to the market, carpooling, o and the list goes on.

Perhaps none of this is you, but rather your mind has been filled with lust, pornography, drinking, overeating, or movies you know you shouldn’t be watching.

People have learned a lifestyle that seems to be society’s norm. We are to do ‘all’ as unto the Lord! When we are doing things for the Lord, we should be doing them with a thankful heart. If we know what we are doing is not pleasing to God, we know we are not coming to Him with praise and thanksgiving.

Did I mention retirement? Yes, we can be preoccupied in retirement with travels, golfing, doting on the grandbabies, and eating out with friends. We can get so busy doing hobbies and crafts and all these fun adventures that we fill our minds with things instead of thanksgiving. It certainly is not wrong to do some of the things mentioned in today’s lesson, but we must learn to do all we do with Jesus as our focus and with a thankful heart.

Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to worldly standards but to be transformed through renewing our minds!

How do we transform our minds?

First, we must realize what drives us and why we desire to do it all. Be real with the Lord, and in a conversation with Him, ask yourself if your activities are to bring focus to self to be acknowledged with praise from others. You know that which occupies your mind is self-seeking. If this is you, ask God for forgiveness and for help to change the things that occupy your mind.

TODAY’S EXERCISE:

· If you find you are overly involved, think of how to shorten that list.

· If your mind is filled with sinful things that aren’t glorifying your walk with the Lord, go to God with a genuine heart and have a talk with Him.

· Do a self-analysis to determine if your actions and activities are self-seeking or God-glorifying.

· Determine to make room in your life for thanksgiving and joy!