2. Thinking clearly
Being able to distinguish between facts and opinions. At Bible College I struggled with this transformation of the mind.
At no.2 in the list of the top 10 important things you need to know in life we find this one, ‘thinking clearly’.
Essentially this is defined as being able to distinguish between facts and opinions and then manage and think clearly in life. Valuable stuff, but I think we still need help with this at times.
When I was at Bible College it felt like my whole faith was being dismantled. We would be presented with a series of opinions from theologians on a subject which were then discussed and explored in class. I would find myself agreeing with an opinion and feeling secure but then another angle was presented, completely different and I was then pulled that way, in the end I was stranded in the middle without a paddle.
Therefore time at bible college was both great and terrible at the same time! It was so difficult to work out what I believed, and to be able to filter through the noise of so many views, opinions and in some cases facts.
How we do that in life, at work and at home varies depending on what we are doing and what family and community we are part of.
But, what I can say to you with absolute, 100% conviction is that when we invite the Holy Spirit into this process it is a game changer.
The Bible is God’s word that is living and active so when you use it in and over your life, expect things to happen.
One of the passages in the Bible which touches on this subject is this:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
I have prayed around this verse lots of times in my life, especially when the way ahead looked messed up, my mind confused and I need that clarity of thought. I have used it hour by hour in some cases, day by day or week by week, and the truth is it works.
There is no magic here or special effects, this is just called yielding to the Holy Spirit and inviting him to have control, even over how we think.
He will transform our thoughts, I have seen it first hand with absolute clarity, it works.
Be transformed by the way you think, think clearly.
Image Credit: Aaron Burden
