Step 6: Practice Positive Thinking
"Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things." - Philippians 4:8
Your mind is one of the most powerful tools God has given you. And yet, it’s also one of the most vulnerable places in your life. What you allow to settle in your thoughts has a direct impact on your actions, your peace, and your future. That’s why Paul tells us in Philippians 4 to dwell on the right things. He doesn’t leave it open-ended. He gives a list. Things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy. Think on these.
There’s a story about a group of college psychology professors who boiled down years of research into one statement: “What the mind attends to, it considers.” That one line tells you a lot. It means whatever you focus on becomes your mental reality. If you dwell on worry, fear, or bitterness, you’ll be consumed by it. But if you shift your focus toward truth and beauty and what honors God, your mind will move in that direction.
The way you think steers the way you live. A skier who focuses on the trees is more likely to crash. A skier who watches the path is more likely to stay upright. The same is true for you. If you constantly dwell on what’s broken, you’ll keep crashing into discouragement. But if you look for what is good, and let that become your focus, you’ll find yourself walking a clearer, healthier path.
God’s not calling you to ignore reality or pretend problems don’t exist. But He is calling you to discipline your thoughts and choose what gets to take up space in your mind. That’s where a healthy thought life begins. What you dwell on today will shape who you become tomorrow. So choose wisely. Focus on the path, not the trees.
Your mind is one of the most powerful tools God has given you. And yet, it’s also one of the most vulnerable places in your life. What you allow to settle in your thoughts has a direct impact on your actions, your peace, and your future. That’s why Paul tells us in Philippians 4 to dwell on the right things. He doesn’t leave it open-ended. He gives a list. Things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy. Think on these.
There’s a story about a group of college psychology professors who boiled down years of research into one statement: “What the mind attends to, it considers.” That one line tells you a lot. It means whatever you focus on becomes your mental reality. If you dwell on worry, fear, or bitterness, you’ll be consumed by it. But if you shift your focus toward truth and beauty and what honors God, your mind will move in that direction.
The way you think steers the way you live. A skier who focuses on the trees is more likely to crash. A skier who watches the path is more likely to stay upright. The same is true for you. If you constantly dwell on what’s broken, you’ll keep crashing into discouragement. But if you look for what is good, and let that become your focus, you’ll find yourself walking a clearer, healthier path.
God’s not calling you to ignore reality or pretend problems don’t exist. But He is calling you to discipline your thoughts and choose what gets to take up space in your mind. That’s where a healthy thought life begins. What you dwell on today will shape who you become tomorrow. So choose wisely. Focus on the path, not the trees.
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