I’m reading a book. Nothing new or unusual about that. What is different is that the book was written in 1902, making it, perhaps, the oldest book I’ve ever read, outside of the Bible. The book is As A Man Thinketh, by James Allen. Overall the book is about having inner peace based on what goes on in a person’s mind. He comes across as fairly philosophical with the occasional good, applicable point.

If I could summarize what I’ve read so far (and it isn’t a large book so I’m pretty far along in it) I would say that every person needs to be aware that what a person chooses to think about, or dwell on (Philippians 4.8), will affect not only their outlook on life, but also help to create their world, so to speak. I have taught for years that every person has the ability to control their thoughts. In other words, we choose, either by active mental involvement or lazy mental indifference, what our life will be like.

Take for instance an addict who is actively working to free himself/herself from the addiction. He can tell himself that he wants to be free but the difference will be made in his mind. Does he dwell on missing the high from drugs, the escape from the alcohol or the rush from the porn? Or does he work to mentally replace the focus on the supposed benefits from the addiction over to those things that are good, right, lovely and of good repute (Phil. 4.8 again)? You see, just as we have the ability to control our thoughts, we also have the opportunity to add to our escape from those things that bind us and to walk in freedom.

James Allen took the title of his book from Proverbs 23.7 which says in part, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is”. We could unpack an entire lesson from this one verse in it’s context, but suffice it to say that what goes on in our minds dictates much of what goes on in our world.

So, let me reiterate today’s title: What goes on in your mind? And let me take it one step further: What goes on in our minds is controlled by what has filled our hearts. Jesus made this clear by what is recorded in Matthew 12.34: “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart”. So, to make this a complete thought, whatever fills your heart leads to what goes on in your mind which leads, not only to the words you speak but also to what your life is like. Is your heart filled with “Woe is me”, or “We are more than conquerors in Christ”? Do you dwell on what you feel is missing in your life or do you give thanks and rejoice always?

Much of what we dwell on is out of habit, and habits change slowly. But in order for habits to change, we must take that first step. Recognize what needs to be changed and begin to work it our of your heart and mind, replacing it with whatever is good, right and worthy of praise. Enlist an accountability partner who will reinforce the changes you are making.

There are times when a counselor or coach will be of benefit in this process because sometimes we don’t have anyone who will come alongside us in our walk. This needs to be someone who will reinforce the change and hold you accountable, sometimes even aggressively. If you see that you could use such assistance. let me know with the contact info below.

Chuck Phillips Life Choices Christian Counseling,LLC

Licensed Christian Pastoral Counselor, N.C.C.A. Board Certified Advanced Christian Life Coach, I.B.C.C.

LifeChoicesCLC.Com LifeChoicesCLC@gmail.com 573-280-5093