How to Think Like a Christian

James Allen wrote

 "A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."

It's a loose translation of Proverbs 23:7. Look it up.

 According to scientists, there are lots of things that cause us to think the way we do. Individually and collectively, all sorts of factors condition our way of thinking. From culture to geographical conditions, everything about the world, in which we live, effects our thinking. Our survival seems to be the primary motivator, followed by our desires. Still, these scientific facts offer little in the way of an explanation for having the delinquent thoughts we entertain. 

 The way we think determines what we allow ourselves to believe, effectively controlling us. To put it bluntly, our thoughts create our actions. Since the dawn of creation, man has been a slave to the incentives of that which sustained or aroused him. Here we are in the 21st century, man can barely recognize the difference between the two. The line between want and need has all but been erased. 

Imagine the simplicity. Every human action, kindness or the dereliction of morality, begins with a thought. 

No one is baffled why people do benevolent acts. It's the heinous deeds, man inflicts against man, perplexing everyone. Logic falls short of offering reason for our evil agenda since much of it serves no purpose. Why do we have such terrible thoughts? While science would endeavor to answer the question of how we think, the bible would answer why.

Mark 7:21-22

"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.

Satan's first words to Eve, are still echoing in the ears of humanity, as it introduces the idea of evil, to those whom only have the capacity to handle the knowledge of good.

More important than understanding the reason we think the way we do is understanding how to change. To think like a Christian, one must first know the hopelessness of his condition. Faced with the knowledge we are separated by our evil thoughts from a God that only wanted good for us, we will cry out for His forgiveness. It's in this revelation we find ourselves in need of a savior. When God gives us His Holy Spirit, He gives us a peace. A peace, that guards our minds.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect

We cannot allow the media, politics, or circumstances to control our thinking. We must renew our minds continually by being in God's word. For, it is only there, we can discover the solution and prevention for evil. Jeremiah 33:3 says " ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Philippians 4:8 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.

God is good, God is Great. God is love. Think about it. Never stop thinking about it.