As individuals and leaders, we must avoid letting irrational fears distort our thoughts and reasoning with misconceptions about things that are untrue. Related to this, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” It was a call to the Romans to fill their minds with things that were positive and deserved praise, especially those that were true.
Letting irrational fears and misconceptions cloud our minds keeps us from becoming who God wants us to be. Believing in something that turns out to be untrue could cost you years of agony. For your peace of mind, it is important to unlearn irrational fears and misconceptions.
A Biblical story illustrates the fallacy of irrational fears and misconceptions. The Apostle John described a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. The man believed that there was only one way he could be healed, and it was that “he had to be the first in the pool called Bethesda before anyone else got into the healing pool.” He believed that because of his handicap he was incapable of getting to the pool of water without someone assisting him. So, for 38 years, he sat by the pool of water waiting for someone to help him. The Lord told the man to get up and walk. The man did and he was cured. But his irrational fears and misconceptions about his ability to move on his own accord cost him 38 years.
Life can sometimes cause individuals to live with conditions year after year. Overcoming fears and stepping out on faith to allow God to direct you requires a mental renewal of sorts, according to Paul. To move forward, a person may have to unlearn old habits and discard misconceptions.
Remember, unlearning something is twice as hard as learning it. Because every mile you go in the wrong direction is a two-mile error as you must double back to get to where you need to be. Replacing old thoughts and thinking patterns with new ones is difficult but it’s worth it. Take time each day to renew your mind by unlearning irrational fears and misconceptions with the help of God. Be blessed, and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
