It is important to consistently confront your thoughts and ask the question: what am I thinking? Our thoughts are very important. Harboring the wrong thoughts can often make the difference between success and failure. Unfortunately, none of us can simply “turn off” negative thinking just by trying harder.
The Bible teaches that thoughts are foundation of life, acting as the root of both our actions and spiritual health. It instructs believers to proactively manage their minds by taking every thought captive, focusing on godly things, and allowing God to transform them through a renewed mind.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians with advice concerning a specific filter for their mental lives. He encouraged them to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Paul emphasized that they should guard their heart/mind, as they ultimately determine the entire course of one’s life.
Changing the way you think changes your perspective, which changes how you act in the world. Paul’s words weren’t new. The concept of “changing the way you think” was a central theme of the Lord’s teachings. The Lord challenged people to transform their thinking because, regardless of how many times you read through the Bible, if your mind remains unchanged, you will simply impose your own biases and labels on the words you read.
The most basic control you possess over your mind is your ability to choose what you pay attention to. At any given moment, it is within your capacity to turn your thoughts in one direction or another. This helps explain why two individuals in the exact same set of circumstances can have completely different perspectives and experiences.
So, having the right thoughts is crucial because they directly shape your emotions, actions, and overall reality— essentially defining the quality of your life. Positive proactive thinking improves your health, reduces stress, and fosters constructive responses to challenges. Whereas negative thoughts can create self-fulfilling prophecies of failure or misery.
Positive or “right” thinking matters because your thoughts shape your intentions, which dictate your actions and ultimately determine your life’s direction. Remember that right thinking reduces toxic behaviors and the dangerous, downward spiral thought patterns that contribute to depression. So, what are you thinking right now? Be blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
