Change Your Way of Thinking: Beneficial or Harmful?

A brother once testified that before he knew the Word, he owned a small shop with many customers. After studying the Bible and learning that smoking is a sin because it harms his own health and the health of others around him, he decided not only to stop smoking, but also to stop selling cigarettes. As a result, his shop gradually grew quieter and eventually went out of business.

However, instead of being down, this setback instead pushed him to keep thinking positively and to persist in trying various ways. Until one day, this brother devoted himself to the right kind of business. That business gave him an income he had never imagined before. Not only was he able to rise from bankruptcy, he also soared financially. His life has now turned around 180 degrees.

What exactly was the secret of this brother's success?

Knowing Christ “Turns Around” the Way We Think

What is more, I consider everything a loss because knowing Christ Jesus my Lord is worth more than all things. For His sake I have let go of all these things and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. – Philippians 3:8

Just as Paul considered as rubbish the things he once took pride in, whether his origin, lineage, principles, activities, or knowledge, so it was with the brother I told you about above. He could have rejected the Word that would clearly cost him his income, but he chose to submit to the truth.

That decision made his regular customers wonder and think he was strange. A shop that does not sell cigarettes is something rare. One or two buyers insulted him, extended family even mocked him, but he remained firm in his conviction. He was not ashamed to declare and share his new belief with others.

Why was that?

Knowing Christ had changed the way this brother thought. Economically, he suffered a loss, but to him, health and the salvation of his soul were far more valuable. Life in joy because he had been set free from sin was clearly worth far more than a bundle of money from selling cigarettes every day.

Repentance, which in Greek is called metanoia, means a change of mind. The way we view everything is what must first be changed if we want to repent. Changes in speech, attitude, and way of life begin in the mind. Without a change of mind, it is difficult to do what is right in keeping with repentance (Acts 26:20).

What If Things Actually Turn for the Worse?

The story above seems to be a sweet victory. A person who initially fell all the way to zero then climbed the ladder of success.

But what if someone decides to turn to the truth and his financial condition is turned upside down as well? The business collapses, companions and friends leave, he tries another business but still does not succeed. Lifebecomes like being trapped in a long, barren wilderness.

Ah, it sounds sad. But it is not impossible for this to happen. God does not promise a smooth road in following Him. There are times when, along that journey, we will stumble over stones or step into thorny bushes.

Paul experienced this; ever since he became a disciple of Jesus, his lifeseemed never to be free from hardship (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). So much so that some thought Paul was cursed by a god because misfortune always followed him, both at sea and on land (Acts 28:4).

If we experience conditions like this because of a change in mindset, because we know God—we do not have to complain and pity our fate. This is precisely the opportunity for us to put our new way of thinking into practice.

Here are several principles we need to hold on to:

1. Suffering for Jesus Is a Joy

Blessed are you when, because of Me, you are insulted and persecuted and all kinds of evil are falsely spoken against you. – Matthew 5:11

If others suffer because of sin and evil, then blessed are we who suffer for doing what is right. Like Peter, who rejoiced because he was considered worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41).

2. Think Only About What Is True and Noble

So finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is pleasing to hear, whatever is called virtue and worthy of praise, think about all these things. – Philippians 4:8

God has equipped people with reason so that we can seek solutions in facing various problems. Thinking about what is true and noble means that we continually think about things that are holy and positive. In this way, we will find it easy to be grateful and life will feel easier to live.

If our finances are troubled, but we can still live, eat, and dress properly, is that not proof of the kindness of God? Training ourselves to see from a positive point of view will keep us encouraged and hopeful in all things.

3. Keep Trying

Remember Dory in the film Finding Nemo? “Just keep swimming” is the motto she kept saying throughout her long journey to find her friend Nemo.

This principle also applies to the journey of life for us. Out of 1,001 doors, surely one door will open. It may be door number 1,001. If we stop or remain still, that 1,001st door will be impossible for us to find.

4. Ignore Unnecessary Comments

Other people's comments about your life can sometimes feel heavier than life itself. An entrepreneur who enthusiastically starts over from zero can sink because of people's cynical responses toward him.

When Paul suffered a shipwreck and then his hand was bitten by a snake, people labeled him a murderer under a curse. But Paul did not care about their comments. He shook the snake off his hand into the fire. In the end, those commentators changed their minds and thought Paul was a god (Acts 28:6).

Do not take every opinion of others to heart. Often negative comments are only a reflection of the inadequacy they feel about themselves; they have nothing to do with you at all. Or, they have difficulty accepting your way of thinking because it is less popular in the eyes of the world. So, keep doing your best according to the truth you believe.

Because our minds are an unending battlefield, it is very important to make the Word of God the basis of our consideration (Hebrews 4:12). A person who has the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:15-16) will gain victory after victory in life. Keep up the spirit!

*Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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