LeadTip #21 Gain Control of your thoughts

“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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

The American poet, abolitionist, essayist, and preacher Ralph Waldo Emerson has a famous quote; “A man is what he thinks about all day long.”

What you set your mind upon and what you allow into your thoughts will affect your mood, your belief system, your actions, those around you, and ultimately the results of your day and your life. The Bible says “For as he thinks in his heart so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

God tells us how to think through the truths of His word. He tells us who we are - more than conquerors - and his plans for us are good, to prosper us, to use us as a testimony of His life changing power.

We are called to have a positive testimony and to not be negative, critical, judgmental, bitter, jealous, covetous, unforgiving, and moody. We are to live as ambassadors of Christ, representing His character, his demeanor, His love, kindness, mercy and grace.

The key to being a reflection of Christ, a successful godly leader, is to have a positive, faith filled attitude. This comes by learning how to control your thoughts. It’s tiring and disheartening to be around negative and critical people.

So how do you get control of your thoughts?

First, you must demolish negative thoughts and anything that contradicts the truth. The Bible says; “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

You must practice good thoughts to develop good habit patterns. If you tend to be a negative person, you are now saying, “that’s easier said than done.” This is because of bad habit patterns in your thinking. Good habits must be developed one thought at a time. The truth is written on your heart, it is fed to you through the Bible and affirmed to you by the Holy Spirit. Receive nothing contradictory into your spirit. Reject negativity and do not hang with negativity. Fill yourself with truth and practice positivity. Live by faith in the goodness of God.

Second, use the weapons God has given to you. The Bible says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4

Anything other than the character of Christ and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives is unacceptable. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Do not identify with criticalness, moodiness, inferiority, insecurity and the carnal nature. Do not excuse away bad thoughts, emotions and behavior. Do not say, “this is just the way I am.” You are too important to allow negative spirits to influence you. You are called by God to influence and lead others. You must strive to become the most positive and faith filled person you can be. You must battle and destroy anything that robs you of being Christlike and a better you.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:6

Third, ask the Holy Spirit to help you, to fill you and to use you. You have more power within you than your natural abilities and self will. Jesus has sent you the Holy Spirit to help you to become the strong, positive and faith filled person God has destined for you to be.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Develop a friendship with the Holy Spirit. Talk to Him, listen to Him, read His letters (the Bible), pray in the Spirit, and welcome Him in your worship. When your thoughts and emotions need renewal, rest in His presence and ask Him to fill you with truth, encouragement, faith and positivity.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

You are an awesome person created in the image of God!