Critical Thinking – A Key to Transformation

Our beliefs direct our behavior. In order to change our behavior we need to change what we think. This verse tells us an important step to transforming.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1-2 (NIV)

We have habits, even habits of thought. We have thought some things for so long that we assume that they are truth. Sometimes we resist getting rid of these thoughts. They are like old, warm blankets that we pull out again and again to help us feel comfortable. They help us to rationalize our actions. However, these thoughts may be sabotaging our very efforts for the transformation we seek deep within our hearts.

I have some examples of what we think or say to ourselves. Do you ever catch yourself saying any of these statements?

• I’m too old.
• I can’t.
• I don’t want to have to ….
• It’s in my DNA.
• It’s just who I am.
• It’s too much.
• I just don’t care right now.
• I deserve it.
• It will make me feel better.
• It’s too hard.
• I’m stressed.
• It will make me feel better.
• I’m too busy.
• I’ve tried everything and nothing helps.
• I’m just like my mom.
• Etc, etc, etc

You may be asking – what is the solution? The answer is that we need to replace the false thought with the truth. You need to look at what you are thinking and ask “Is this true?” This is best done when we slow down long enough to reflect upon our actions.

Sharing your thoughts with someone else or in a group may help also. Sometimes it is very hard to see the forest through the trees as they say. We have thought some things for so long, that we are not even aware that they may be incorrect.

I like to ask myself, “Does this statement line up with who God is and/or what He says?” This question has an uncanny way of making the truth much more clear to me.

For example: “I’m too busy.” We need to dig deeper to what really drives the statement?

• Too busy for what?
• To take care of myself?
• Too busy doing what?
• Everything else is more important than me?
• Do I believe that God has given me all the time needed to do what He has called me to do?  Or – Do I believe that God has given me more to do than what time will allow?
• Is this true that I do not have enough time or is something else taking the time meant for self-care? (Remember BUSY may equal Being Under Satan’s Yoke)
• Am I loving myself or am I only showing love to others?

 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. James 2:8

Perhaps the statement goes even deeper.

• Do I really think I deserve the time?
• Do I fear failure if I make a change and require more from myself?
• What will other people think?
• Will they support me or ridicule me if I change in a particular way?
• What do I have to give up to make this change? (Do you remember the word “sacrifice” from the verse above?)

The answers require an honest assessment, which takes courage – and God will provide.

Perhaps God is revealing something in your life that is out of balance or perhaps He is growing you in another way. We need to seek revelation on how to proceed from there. No matter what, we can be certain that He is drawing us closer to Him.