“To live continually in thoughts of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confined in a self-made prison hole. But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all-such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor.”

~ James Allen ~

How we think will determine how we live. What goes on in our thoughts is what begins to become a reality around us. It has been said that perception is greater than reality. What we perceive in our mind is what we project around us. Our thinking is the lens in which we view the world. We don’t see the world as it is, we see the world as we are. That is why beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If we are constantly thinking that people do not like us, then every action they make we will see through that lens. If we feel jealous of another, every thing they get we will be upset about. However, if we have thoughts of peace towards others, no matter what they do we live in grace with them. When we look at the good in others we will always have friends around us that we connect with. People have asked me over the years how I seem to be friends with anyone I meet, I tell them it is because I simply believe the best in people. Growing up I was friends with every group; the skaters, the musicians, the athletes, the country folks, the computer heads, the drama club, etc… I was able to connect with every group because I learned to be cheerful with all and to find the good in everyone.

Because we see the world as we are, it is of utmost importance that we control our thoughts. If our thinking gets out of control so our lives get out of control. What we think about we tend to become. If we think negative, depressing thoughts, we will become a negative, depressing person. If we think joyful, fruitful thoughts, we will become a joyful, fruitful person. Remember the statement, you are what you eat? Well, the truth applies to our thinking, you are what you think.

The mind is a battlefield where a war takes place everyday. If we give up and surrender the fight we will become victim to our worst thoughts. We must remain steadfast in our thinking and be on guard at all times.

Phillipians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Romans 12:2

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.

Change your thinking and you will change your life. Challenge yourself to think the right thoughts that will be fruitful. Your thoughts will take you somewhere, make sure it is where you need to go.