Every Good Thing Starts with a Thought

Forwho has known the mindandpurposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].

1 Corinthians 2:16 (AMP)

The mind is a powerful tool that can help us break free from selfishness and enjoy the blessings of an outward-focused life. Today’s scripture tells us that we have the mind of Christ, and we can learn to think as Jesus did. In other words, we can cast down wrong thoughts and replace them with right thoughts that will bring joy to our daily lives!

Our level of joy and peace is connected to our thoughts. So, if you train yourself to think only beautiful and excellent thoughts, your life will be happier than you could possibly imagine. Let me suggest three ways of thinking that will be beneficial to you:

1. Have a humble mind, and don’t think of yourself more highly than you should (Romans 12:3). Instead, realize that God’s grace has endowed you with talents, abilities, and gifts. Although Jesus was equal with God, He was humble enough to make Himself a servant to all and to be obedient enough to die on a cross to save us from our sins.

2. When you think about people you know, don’t focus on their flaws. Instead, think about their strengths. The more you think about their good qualities and what you enjoy about them, the more your joy will increase when you are around them.

3. Think about what you can do to help other people and make them happy. When I take time to plan something nice for someone, I feel joy released from my spirit into my soul. Thinking positive thoughts about other people is one way you can increase your joy anytime you want to.

Romans 12:10 (NIV) gives us great instructions for living. It says, Be devoted to one another in love Honor one another above yourselves. If we truly want to live that way, we must give it some serious thought. Allow yourself time each day to think of practical ways you can love others and show honor to them (especially on days that are particularly challenging or difficult.) This simple practice will bring you a great deal of happiness in life.

Adapted from the book What About Me? by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2024 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Let’s Pray: God, “thank You for giving me the mind of Christ, which empowers me to focus on what is good, wholesome, and excellent. Help me put my mind to good use, regularly thinking up ways I can be a blessing to others. I am excited about the good things You will inspire me to do! Amen.”

Family Activity: Kindness Avengers! Get together for a family brainstorm! Make a list of as many good things you can do for other people as you can possibly think of in the span of five or 10 minutes. Then take a family vote to decide which of these things you will work together to accomplish this week.