I have a friend who recently came to me and said that she was going to change her life in order to save her marriage. She and her husband decided not to drink anymore because in her words “Why should something as silly as alcohol cost me my family”. They were honest enough to make a commitment to change. They are the bravest of brave in my book. They are honest with themselves and each other.
The changes they proposed for themselves included changing jobs because they worked as bartenders. This change also meant that they would see many of their friends either in a different setting or not at all. Brave.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result.” This famous quote has been attributed to Einstein, Ben Franklin and Mark Twain. However, many times we live our lives thinking somehow, we will get the results we desire without any effort, any design or any time invested on our part.
The Bible speaks to this when it says, “ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT) Personally, I have found that only when I win the battle of the mind will my actions follow. Our son used to sometimes proclaim when he was a child “Mom, I made my mind!” and then he would put into action whatever his mind had declared. I often find myself in a tizzy in my mind about an issue that once settled internally, is not nearly as difficult to accomplish as I had imagined.
Easier said than done you say. “Finally, brethren, 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.” (Phillipians 4:8 NKJV) The pieces of the puzzle begin to come together in a practical way when I connect the dots and remember to LET GOD transform me into someone who can think about good things. The battle is for my mind. The issues must be resolved there first. Once again scripture gives a beautiful straight forward instruction for having a good and pleasing life.
There comes a time when all the thinking we do must grow feet, put on shoes and walk. Today is a good day to DO the good things we’ve been thinking about.
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