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How to Elevate My Thinking

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

Acknowledge the power of my thoughts

My thoughts can do nothing for anyone else, but they can make or break my life.

For as a man thinks in his heart so is he. Proverbs 23:7 KJV

But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is. Matthew 6:23 NLT

If I let Jesus change my thinking, he will change my life.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 NLT

Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning.1 Corinthians 15:34 NLT

Feelings and thinking are different but not separate

Make positive thinking a spiritual goal

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV

Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. Luke 11:35 NLT

Make a list of the good things in my life

If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:2 NLT

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3 NLT

Gratitude elevates my attitude

Practice positive self talk

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 NLT

Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 NLT

…how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23 NIV

Find a positive spiritual role model

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 NLT

If I am not in a positive environment, I have to find mentors that can help me create one.

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place where you can be alone with the Lord. Consider going for a walk, finding a quiet place in the house or at work, or sitting at the park. Begin your time with a brief moment of silence. Break the silence by reading and pondering this verse, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Romans 12:2 NLT) Allow the verse to roll around in your head until it settles, having some sort of influence on your heart. Next, begin a conversation with God about your thought life. Talk with God, pondering some questions like, “What aspects of my thought life move me away from God? Which thoughts move me towards God? What are some regular thoughts that discourage my spiritual and physical growth? Whether I believe it’s possible or not, what about my thought life needs to change?” Write down what comes to you. Finish by genuinely thanking God for your time together. If you’re willing, find someone you trust that you can share with about your time with God and what came out of it.​

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about God or yourself lately in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Philippians 4:8-9. When it comes to the things you think about, are you naturally a more positive or negative person, and what do you think shaped you that way?
  3. Read Romans 12:2. What specific customs or thought patterns of the world have you been sucked into and in what ways is it affecting your life and relationships?
  4. Reread Philippians 4:8. Take the next few minutes in group to quietly write down 5-10 awesome things in your life. Then, after everyone has had a chance to make their list, invite everyone to share their list with the group.
  5. Read Ephesians 4:29. Often, the easiest person to abuse with our language is ourselves. What internal tracks play in your head that are more harmful than helpful and what life-giving words do you need to begin saying to yourself? If anyone in the group is struggling to find words of life about themselves, invite the group to share what they love about them.
  6. Reread Philippians 4:9. Who in your life makes you a better person and what can you do this week to spend more time with them?