Gary Rohrmayer's Blog, page 8

3 Strategies to Fight Destructive Thinking

I find that there are many things I can easily resist in this world.

I can say no to telemarketers!

I can resist yelling at my kids in public!

I can easily ignore unsigned letters of complaint or criticism!

But I find it harder to resist being critical or negative. I struggle with being too self-congratulatory or too self-effacing. It is a constant battle to overcome cynicism or sarcasm.

And yet God calls us to “…be transformed by the renewing of our minds…”(Romans 12:2)

How does that happen?  

Renewing our minds starts with surrendering ourselves to God consciously and continually.

The first step in overcoming negative attitudes is to surrender ourselves to God. 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."(Romans 12:1)

We are renewed through passionately resisting all that is harmful.

Paul continues, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world…”

Paul uses a very strong tone here. It could be translated “Stop being shaped by the world around you,” or,“Refuse to be squeezed into the mold our culture is pressing on you from all sides.”

If God tells us to do something, that means He is giving us the power and the tools to do it.

So, if we must not only surrender to God but also resist the cultural attitudes that swirl around us all day long, how do we do this?

1. Resisting involves recognizing that the world’s patterns are harmful.

What does sarcasm lead to?

Where does cynicism take us?

How does pessimism help us?

Where does narcissism drive us?

What does skepticism rob from us?

How does suspicion support us?

The Bible is pretty clear about the end result of these harmful attitudes. “The mind governed by the flesh isdeath, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace”. (Romans 8:6 NIV)

2. Resisting involves replacing bad with better.

The word transformed can be translated “form, habit”.

Just as Jesus was transfigured before his disciples from better to best (Matthew 17:2), we too can be transformed by replacing bad habits with better ones.

What bad habits are messing with your mind?

Are you controlling what comes into you or are you being controlled by what you allow in your life?

3. Resisting involves refocusing our gaze on Jesus.

We will become what we focus on!

Paul writes, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” (II Corinthians 3:18)

The longer we honestly and humbly focus our lives on Jesus the more we will become like him.

The renewing of our minds comes from surrendering to what is right and resisting what is wrong.

Question: What could you do today to improve your gaze upon Jesus?

 

Additional Materials  

How to Stay Mentally Tough in the Midst of Chaos
Taking Charge of Your Attitude
Five Observations On Attitude
27 Biblical Thoughts On A Healthy Attitude
26 Biblical Quotes On The Blessing Of Humility
Your Attitude: Sarcastic or Sacred?

21 Powerful Quotes from George Mueller

Thirty-five years ago I was encouraged to read Christian Biographies by one of my early mentors.  George Mueller of Bristol: His Life of Prayer and Faith by AT Pierson was one of the first.  George Mueller was reckless youth stumbled into a bible study of college students and saw them reading their bibles on their knees which deeply moved him and opened his heart to the gospel.  He was a pastor of 66 years in the same church.  He founded in 1834 at the age of 28 "The Scripture Knowledge Institute for Home and Abroad". The five branches of this his mission was to develop 1) Schools for children and adults to teach Bible knowledge, 2) Bible distribution, 3) missionary support, 4) tract and book distribution, and 5) “to board, clothe and Scripturally educate destitute children who have lost both parents by death."   He worked with D.L. Moody, preached for C.H. Spurgeon and supported and encouraged J. Hudson Taylor in his missionary work in China.  Through his simple faith, his boldness in prayer and great generosity he aided the weakest of society, he spread teaching of God's word and advanced the missionary cause of Jesus.  George Mueller was used by Jesus to inspire millions and inspires me to this day.  Enjoy just a few of his power thoughts on prayer, bible study and mission of Jesus.

 

“The secret of all true effectual service is joy in God, having experimental acquaintance with God Himself.” - George Mueller

 “Never come out of your chamber in the morning until everything is right between you and God.” - George Mueller

"Let none think that public prayer will make up for closet communion." - George Muller

"Every instance of obedience...strengthens us spiritually, whilst every act of disobedience weakens us." - George Mueller

"They that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded!" - George Muller

“The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.” - George Mueller

­­­­“The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.” - George Mueller

“I have joyfully dedicated my whole life to ... how much may be accomplished by prayer and faith.” - George Mueller

“The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.” - George Mueller

"God judges what we give by what we keep." - George Mueller

 “To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.” - George Mueller

"Our walk counts far more than our talk, always!" - George Mueller

“Here is the great secret of success. Work and pray. And still again pray, and then work." - George Mueller

"Only a life of prayer and meditation will render a vessel ready for the Master's use." - George Mueller

"Work with all your might, but never trust in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing in God." - George Mueller

“Are the things of God, the honor of his name, the welfare of his church, the conversion of sinners...your chief aim?” - George Mueller

“The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is to have my soul happy in the Lord.” - George Müeller

“Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.” -George Mueller

“Laying up treasures in heaven will draw the heart heavenward.” - George Mueller

“The disciple’s maturest manhood is only the perfection of his childhood.” - George Mueller

“He who would work with God must first wait on Him and wait for Him ... haste in such a matter is worse than waste.” - George Mueller

 

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How to Develop a Biblical Plan for Spiritual Growth
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18 Old Testament Scriptures Showing Us How God Forgives Sin
20 Probing Quotes on True Humility
21 Classic Fasting Quotes

3 Essentials for Renewing Your Mind Daily

I was 14 years old when I took lifeguard certification at a youth camp.  One of the last parts of the training was to simulate a rescue of a person who was thrashing out of control and fighting to keep their head above water.  They taught us how to come up behind the person and grab them around the chest to immobilize them so you could swim them safely back to shore.  The person I was chosen to rescue was a college age student who was much bigger and stronger than me.  As he was thrashing in the water, I came up behind him and locked my arms around his chest. For the next 10 seconds, which felt like an eternity, he did everything he could to get out of my grip.  He finally gave up and rested in my arms as I swam him safely to shore. 

How many of us have a fight with God in our minds through worry, anger, fear, doubt and comparison?  

These mental struggles can be so physically draining and spiritually damaging. They rob us physically and emotionally and steal the peace, love, joy, trust and contentment that God desires for us. 

The renewing of our minds starts with surrendering ourselves to God consciously, continually and completely.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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” (Romans 12:1-2).  

What does surrendering look like practically? 

Surrendering involves grasping on to God.  We grasp on to what God has done for us through His merciful kindness. Paul writes, “…in view of God’s mercy…”.   God’s mercy is defined as ‘God withholding what we really deserve.’  We deserve judgment because of our sinful nature and in light of our rebellion towards God our minds are depraved. Yet God through His grace gives us what we do not deserve, His righteousness, His favor and the ability to have a renewed mind through the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Surrendering also involves giving up control. Giving up control by offering ourselves to God.  Paul uses the worship language of the Old Testament, “…to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God…” As an act of our free will we say yes to God. We make ourselves available to God.  We align our lives with His thoughts, will and desires.  We allow His word to reign in us and through us. 

Surrendering involves resting in God’s presence. He continues, “…this is your true and proper worship.” Worship is an act of rest, an act of peace, where we are so caught up with who God is and what God has accomplished for us that nothing else matters.  This is not escapism but realization that God is bigger than problems and that He can be trusted.  Worship lifts us up out of the ordinary and gives us a fresh perspective. 

The renewing of our minds starts when we stop the mental wrestling match with God and rest in the wonders of His love for us.  

Reflective Questions

Are you seeing more and more of a need for mental toughness in your life?
How does daily surrendering practically work itself out in your ministry?
What spiritual disciplines do you have in place to help you be more resistant to the daily distractions of our culture?
How did Jesus stay mentally focused in the midst of temptation?  (Mathew 4:1-11)
What is the difference between realism and optimism?

Additional Materials  

How to Stay Mentally Tough in the Midst of Chaos
Taking Charge of Your Attitude
Five Observations On Attitude
27 Biblical Thoughts On A Healthy Attitude
26 Biblical Quotes On The Blessing Of Humility
Your Attitude: Sarcastic or Sacred?

 

Related articles

18 Old Testament Scriptures Showing Us How God Forgives Sin
What Are You Offering To God As Worship?
Fasting Insights by Gary Rohrmayer

19 Faith Stretching Quotes from J. Hudson Taylor

Over thirty years ago I saw my first Christian movie it was about the life of J. Hudson Taylor.  That movie and his books laid a spiritual foundation in my life on what it means to abide in Christ.  Here is short bio and some of his faith stretching thoughts.  May God inspire you through this man's humble faith and precious insights in walking with Jesus.

James Hudson Taylor was a British Protestant Christian missionary to China, and founder of the China Inland Mission (CIM) (now OMF International). Taylor spent 51 years in China. The society that he began was responsible for bringing over 800 missionaries to the country who began 125 schools and directly resulted in 18,000 Christian conversions, as well as the establishment of more than 300 stations of work with more than 500 local helpers in all eighteen provinces.

Taylor was known for his sensitivity to Chinese culture and zeal for evangelism. He adopted wearing native Chinese clothing even though this was rare among missionaries of that time. Under his leadership, the CIM was singularly non-denominational in practice and accepted members from all Protestant groups, including individuals from the working class and single women as well as multinational recruits. Primarily because of the CIM's campaign against the Opium trade, Taylor has been referred to as one of the most significant Europeans to visit China in the 19th Century.

Quotes

"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me"― J. Hudson Taylor

"Do not work so hard for Christ that you have no strength to pray, for prayer requires strength."― J. Hudson Taylor

“Depend on it. God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply. He is too wise a God to frustrate His purposes for lack of funds, and He can just as easily supply them ahead of time as afterwards, and He much prefers doing so.” ― J. Husdon Taylor

"I have found that there are 3 stages in every great work of God: 1. it is impossible, 2. it is difficult, 3. it is done."― J. Hudson Taylor

"I am so weak that I cannot read my Bible...even pray, I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child, and trust."― J. Hudson Taylor

"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus."― J. Hudson Taylor

"All our difficulties are only platforms for the manifestations of His grace, power and love."― J. Hudson Taylor

"There are three indispensable requirements for a missionary: 1. Patience 2. Patience 3. Patience."― J. Hudson Taylor

"Our joy in Him may be a fluctuating thing: His joy in us knows no change. "― J. Hudson Taylor

“God isn’t looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him.” ― J. Hudson Taylor

“God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on him.” ― J. Hudson Taylor

“It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies -- whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart.” ― J. Hudson Taylor

“Let us never forget that what we are is more important than what we do.” ― J. Hudson Taylor

It is not so much the greatness of our troubles, as the littleness of our spirit, which makes us complain - J Hudson Taylor

"Whatever is your best time in the day, give that to communion with God." ― J. Hudson Taylor

"Jesus is our strength, and what we cannot do or bear, He can both do and bear in us." ― J. Hudson Taylor

"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed." ― J. Hudson Taylor

"All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them." ― J. Hudson Taylor

“You must go forward on your knees.”  ― J. Hudson Taylor

 






 
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How to Stay Mentally Tough in the Midst of Ministry Chaos

I don’t know about you, but I am finding that I need to work harder these days to maintain a healthy attitude. 

The chaos of this world from terrorism to politics and natural disasters to human cruelty, can be so mentally draining that we feel our optimistic faith being replaced with a pessimistic spirit. 

As spiritual leaders we need to discover God’s way for renewing our minds and refreshing our resolve to stay focused on God’s mission. 

Today, with the complexities and challenges of ministry, church leaders can lose their faith and see their hope dissipate.  Genuinely ministering to and loving people who bring a myriad of problems and life pains with them challenges every spiritual leader.  

The more effective we reach them the more they keep coming and coming and coming with new problems and difficult life situations. This can overwhelm the best of us.  One pastor said, “Every week we see people coming to faith in Christ.  On one level I rejoice with the angels in heaven and on another level I say to myself this is going to be a lot of work.” 

What does God’s word say about mental toughness? 

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Christ’s followers who lived in Rome, spends the first eleven chapters explaining the wonders of God’s plan of salvation and the richness of the gospel.  Then in chapter 12 he turns his attention to the working out of the gospel in our lives and the first thing he addresses is the renewing or strengthening of our minds.  

Just the thought of having to renew our minds suggests a few things: 

Our minds can be weakened
Our thinking can become stale
Our attitudes can turn sour
Our viewpoint can be deceived 

Because we live in a world where our thinking can be degraded, the need for daily renewal is on the top of Paul’s list for learning how to live out of the gospel and be engaged in God’s redemptive cause. 

So how does Paul encourage us to strengthen our minds?

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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” (Romans 12:1-2). 

Reflective Questions 

Where does renewed thinking start?
How do your daily choices affect your mental wellbeing?
Why is worship important to having a healthy attitude?
What are some unhealthy attitudes our culture is forcing upon us?
List the benefits of a renewed mind.
How would you paraphrase this text?

Additional Materials  

Taking Charge of Your Attitude
Five Observations On Attitude
27 Biblical Thoughts On A Healthy Attitude
26 Biblical Quotes On The Blessing Of Humility
Your Attitude: Sarcastic or Sacred?

Your Attitude: Sarcastic or Sacred?

We have all been victims of a sarcastic jab.  On the other side we have all at some time in our lives used sarcasm in our conversations. 

What is Sarcasm? 
So what is sarcasm? The Greek meaning of the word sarcasm is “to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer.” Merriam-Webster definition is “a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or
give pain.”  

The synonyms for the word are “affront, barb, cut, dart, dig, diss, epithet, gird, indignity, poke, put-down, insult, slap, slight, and slur”. 

Sarcasm is a painful word because it causes pain. One author describes sarcasm like a bee sting. When a bee stings, the direct hit of poison causes immediate pain and inflammation. Sarcasm is a sting that lasts and causes discomfort long after its sting.

Where do we see sarcasm in the bible? 
Where do we find sarcasm in the bible?  It is in found in the words “mocker, scoffer or scorner’. Solomon wrote, “The proud and arrogant person—‘Mocker’ is his name— behaves with insolent fury”
(Proverbs 21:24). 

The Hebrew word for mocker means, “to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly, to boast, to mock, deride, be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, and shows oneself a mocker”.

In the New Testament the word means: scoffer, mocker or derider, which is used primarily to describe false teachers in the church (I Peter 3:3; Jude 1:18). 

Sarcasm in the Work Place
There are strong opinions on the use of sarcasm in the workplace. Skip Weisman writes, “Sarcasm is a passive aggressive communication habit that undermines trust between individuals and trust is at the core of one’s ability to get things done in organizations. Sarcasm offers just 2 outcomes – it either instantly kills the relationship or it begins to slowly erode the relationship.” He continues, “There is no positive upside to using sarcasm. It offers only short-term positive impact for the sarcastic person whose ego may get a boost by putting others down in this manner.” 

Yet in a recent research project on sarcasm conducted by the business schools at Harvard, Columbia and the European school INSEAD, cites that in certain conditions sarcasm can boost the creativity of a team.  According to the researchers, shooting out a sarcastic comment can boost creativity in the person receiving it as well as the one firing it, because it pushes the person to think abstractly as they try to figure out what is really being said. And yet the caution is that this only works in trusting relationships.  Using sarcasm in new relationships or among acquaintances can be very detrimental by eroding trust and undermining the creditability of the person using it.  

Sarcasm in the Church 
Sarcasm in the church can be very counter-productive and confusing. The church is to be a place of healing, safety and respect, whether in a small group, ministry team or leadership setting.  People are looking for words of affirmation and are seeking to be built up in their faith. No one is ever affirmed by sarcasm, it cuts people and where people experience pain they will seek to avoid those relationships.   Solomon wrote, “If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will
suffer” (Proverbs 9:12 NIV). 

How Do We Temper Sarcasm in Our Lives 
The Apostle Peter in his first letter to the suffering and scattered followers of Jesus through out Asia Minor speaks directly about their thought lives and calls them to a high level of relating with each other. 

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (I Peter 1:13-16). 

Five Truths for Moving from the Sarcastic to the Scared

1.     Be ready to think on your feet. 
Peter writes, “Therefore, with minds that are alert…”(vs13).  One of the older translations says, “Wherefore,gird up the loins of your mind”.  The picture here is of the men in Peter’s day who wore loose flowing robes called tunics and within a few quick moves they could bind up those garments so that they could be ready to work, run or even to fight in a matter of moments.  All to often sarcasm comes out of a self-protective reaction in the midst of a conversation.  Peter calls us to think on your feet, to respond appropriately instead of reacting harshly or painfully with sarcasm. 

2.     Be in command of your emotions. 
Peter continues by calling those who are suffering for Jesus to be “fully sober” (vs. 13).  This word means: “to reign in your passions”.  It is interesting that this is in the context of believers suffering for their faith.  We all find it hard to reign in our emotions when we experience pressure, pain or extreme discomfort and yet we are called through the power of the gospel to be sober minded. This is one of the qualities of leaders in the local church (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).  We see this also as a quality to be seen in older men in the church (Titus 2:2).  When leaders and older men, habitually use sarcasm in their conversations they erode their ability to lead the congregation or influence young men because they are not taken seriously.  If some one walks away from a leader saying, “What did they really mean?”  If people are suspect of your words the will never trust your leadership.  Remember sarcasm creates suspicion not trust!  Sarcasm also tends to stirs things up while wisdom calms things down.  Solomon wrote, “Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger” (Proverbs 29:8).

3.     Be secure in your future. 
A secure mind is a sacred mind.  An insecure mind is a sarcastic mind. Peter calls his readers to rise above their circumstances, the suffering they are experiencing and the false teaching they are encountering on a daily basis.  He writes, “set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”  (vs.13).  When he writes, “set your hope on” he is speaking of a mindset that is filled with confidence in the promises of God, this is not ‘a hope so’ or ‘wish for’ but ‘a heavenly confidence’ in the gospel, in the grace of God and in the promise of Christ return.  This world is not our home, what we are experiencing in this moment is temporary so don’t let our circumstances reduce us to painful speech, hurting others and hurting ourselves by missing out on the promises of God.  The book of Hebrews we find these words, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

4.     Be willing to reject your past and embrace transformation. 
It is all to often that we make excuses for our sarcastic attitudes.  That’s the way I was raised!  This is just part of my generation!  It really does not hurt people!  Peter does not let this happen, he calls towards obedience and transformation.  He writes, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance …” (vs. 14).  Why would we choose to live in the ignorance that God saved us from?  Why would we allow ourselves to be ruled by the base patterns of our former lives?  When God in His mercy endowed us with a new identity, a new purpose and a new power for living this life.  Earlier Peter wrote, “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (I Peter 1:3). 

5.   Learn to think, speak and act more like God.
Sarcasm comes from a dark place in our souls.  It represents the worst of humanity not the best.  John Haiman, a linguist at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., says people who use sarcasm are rarely just kidding. The words come from an authentic place, but it’s wrapped up as a joke for protection. Essentially, sarcasm is a survival technique for the insecure. It’s used to make yourself appear to be stronger or better, but it’s not said with enough seriousness for anyone to accuse you of being a jerk. 

Peter exhorts us to a higher calling, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (vs. 15-16).  It is interesting that phrase “in all you do” comes from the word for “conversation” which Peter uses eight times in his writings (1 Peter 1:15, 18, 2:12, 3:1-2, 3:16; 2 Peter 2:7, 3:11).  Remember our thoughts, words and behaviors are creating a conversation.  How we carry ourselves in this world communicates whom we belong to and what is going on his our hearts as well as our heads.  Tyler Huckabee wrote, “Show me a sarcastic person, and I will show you a wounded person. And I can tell you where their wound is too.”

In quoting the Old Testament command “Be holy, because I am holy” Peter reflects a foundational truth that was taught by Moses (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2: 20:7), proclaimed by the prophets (Micah 4:5), reinforced by Jesus (Matthew 5:48) and exhorted by his apostles (Romans 12:1; I Corinthians 6:19) which is “those who profess to know God should reflect the qualities of God in their thoughts, speech and actions.” 

Conclusion 
Will we be absolutely free from sarcasm?  Will we never make another sarcastic comment?  No!  We will wrestle with it on various levels as long as we live in this world.  But I hope this study will give us a greater awareness of the pain sarcasm causes and deeper appreciation of the power within the gospel to carry on conversations that reflect the beauty of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflective Questions

When was the last time you were stung by sarcasm?  How did you handle it?
When was the last time you made a sarcastic statement?  How was it received? 
What is the prerequisite for using sarcasm positively?
How can the use of sarcasm diminish ones leadership or influence?
Do you agree with the statement “Essentially, sarcasm is a survival technique for the insecure”? 

Additional Materials  

Taking Charge of Your Attitude
Five Observations On Attitude
27 Biblical Thoughts On A Healthy Attitude
26 Biblical Quotes On The Blessing Of Humility
What Is Pride? - John Piper

You Can Take Charge of Your Attitude

Chuck Swindoll offers this timeless insight, “The longer I live the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude to me is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.  It is more important than appearances, giftedness and skill.  It will make or break a company…a church…a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding our attitude we will embrace for the day.  We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.  And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.” 

We are in charge of our attitudes!  
Believing this statement, the Apostle Peter wrote the following words to those of Jesus followers who had been suffering for their faith. Suffering from being scattered by persecution and suffering from the false teachers who were scoffing their foundational beliefs.   Peter knew that when we experience suffering it could play with our mindset and mess with our thinking. So he calls them to take charge of their attitudes. 

“Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.”  (II Peter 3:1-2 NIV) 

Wholesome Thinking 
Peter calls us to ‘wholesome thinking’.  In other terms he appeals to us to take charge of our attitude. This word wholesome is only used in the bible twice (cf. Philippians 1:10).  It communicates the idea of purity or sincerity or an unsullied mind.  It is a mind that has been sun tested, meaning it has been fully exposed and found pure when examined by the sun’s light.  He pleads with them to rise above their dire circumstances, ongoing doubts and crippling fears.  He calls them to reject to the false teaching they are encountering and to cling to truth of God’s word.

The Keys to Wholesome Thinking 
How do we get to thinking in a wholesome manner or taking charge of our attitude?  Here are a few keys towards wholesome thinking.

1)     “Reminders”
We all need reminders.  We are a very forgetful people. How easy is it to forget that God is with us and to forget his promises in the word of God. Peter is now writing his second letter to those who love Jesus and are suffering for it.  He says these letters serve as “reminders” of the precious truth of God.  This is just the opposite of the scoffers who, “deliberately forget” (2 Peter 3:5 NIV).  These false teachers willfully rejected the promises of God’s word and pretended to be ignorant of its’ basic teachings.  We are not only forgetful people, but we can also be willful people.  We choose what to believe and how to act on those beliefs. This is why we need to feed our souls daily with the word of God and to live in fellowship with a church where we receive clear teaching of God’s word.  Receiving a good balance of doctrinal teaching and practical exhortations will help us to think biblically and allow our lives to be gripped by the gospel. 

2)     “Stimulate” 
We all need a wake up call.  Peter is reminding the people so that he can wake them up.  The meaning behind stimulate is to be aroused or awakened in our thinking.   Too many Christians are mentally drowsy making them spiritually sluggish.  Suffering can cause a drowsiness to overcome us and yet God wants our minds sharp, focused and alert.  I can image Peter reflecting on the time that Jesus gave him a wake up call when he found him sleeping with the other disciples, “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” And then exhorted them to, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41).  When was the last time you encountered a wake up call, spiritually, morally, ethically or missionally?  A life following Jesus will be filled with moments of awaking that lead to wholesome thinking. 

3)     “Recall” 
We are not to just intellectually remember the teachings of God’s word, but to recall them volitionally and to act upon them in faith and obedience. Truth without application leads only to mental stimulation, but truth applied leads to spiritual transformation. Truth that is not applied appropriately often leads to pride, whereas truth humbly received leads to wholesome thinking. Applying the truth of God into all of our life situations is essential to following Jesus.  Peter encourages us to think like the prophets, to live out teachings of Jesus and to see the world through the eyes of the apostles. 

As a leader, the challenges to my attitude are continual.  Dealing with setbacks, disappointments, stretching relationships and uncooperative people can mess with anyone’s mindset.  Yet our God calls us to rise above and to resist the cynicism that can contaminate our thinking.  

Whether good or bad, positive or negative, attitudes are easy to spot!  God has given us each the ability and the tools to reign in our thoughts and ultimately to take charge of our attitudes! 

Reflective Questions: 

What are some of the triggers that send you into a bad attitude?
How are you intentionally filling your mind with reminders of God’s teaching?
When is the last time you memorized a large portion of scripture?
When have you shared a portion of scripture God used to give you a wake up call in the last year?
What truth of scripture is challenging your attitude or behavior?

Additional Materials

Five Observations On Attitude
27 Biblical Thoughts On A Healthy Attitude
26 Biblical Quotes On The Blessing Of Humility
What Is Pride? - John Piper

 

Five Observations on Attitudes

Attitudes are hard to define but easy to spot.

Solomon wrote, “A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised.” (Proverbs 12:8 NIV)

A healthy attitude is one that draws people in and
inspires others.

A negative attitude is one that pushes people away and often repels people.

As leaders our attitudes are critical to our success. Here are a few observations on the importance of our attitude as we influence others.

Five Attitudinal Observations

1.  Attitudes reveal the real you in the moment.  
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV)  Our way of thinking reveals what is going on deep in our souls.  An attitude is like a Jack-in-the-box.  What is on the inside will always pop out and reveal itself. If you are always cynical that means you are suffering from cynicism.  If you are being pessimistic you are drowning in pessimism.  If you are being paranoid you are exposing your preoccupation with yourself.  If you are hateful you are revealing your hurt.  Paul wrote, “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” (Titus 1:15 NIV)

2.  Attitudes dictate outcomes.
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 NIV)

The Christian life is filled with choices.  Our choices tend to make us or break us.  Paul writes that the mind ruled by the flesh (our beastly desires, our earthly natures apart from any divine influence), the mind consumed on self and selfish desires produces nothing but death.  This is a pretty strong outcome. Death in the widest sense of the word comprises all the miseries of this life arising from sin that result in the physical, spiritual and eternal separation from God. 

The other choice is to have a mind dominated by the Holy Spirit.  That is to allow the Spirit who has taken residence in our lives to reign over our thoughts, desires and actions.  To be spiritually minded is to seek and submit to the affections, views and leadings of the Holy Spirit, which produces life (the fullness of all that God intended life to be - active, vigorous, devoted and blessed) and peace (the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God). These outcomes are rooted in our way of thinking.

What keeps people from fulfilling their God give potential? It is their negative, self-serving attitude. What allows people to overcome obstacles, to embrace the challenges of life and to positively influence those around them? It is their Spirit-filled attitude.

3.  Attitudes affect relationships.
In Paul’s letter to a church in relational strife he appeals to mindset or attitude. He wants them to change their way of thinking and to have the mindset of Jesus Christ.

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:1-5 NIV)

My wife Mary was wise beyond her years.  As we were raising a young family she would constantly remind me that, “Your attitude dictates the environment of the home”.  She was so right.  If I came home angry and grumpy the kids would reflect that attitude back to me but if I came home content, happy and hopeful I could shape the mood of our home in a positive direction.  I learned a long time ago that you cannot change someone’s attitude, but you can the environment in which that attitude exists through your response.

4.  Attitudes are chosen not given.
Our culture says we are all products of our environment.  If the home you were raised in was filled with screamers or fighters you will be a screamer or fighter. If you were raised in a home filled with stewing and pouting, then you will become moody and sulky.   Yet the bible teaches us we were created with one: the ability to choose, ‘free will’ (Genesis 1:26); and two, through our faith in Christ we are given the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to transform our attitudes and lives (Galatians 5:13-25).  Christianity says we are products of grace not products of our environments.

Paul appeals to our position in Christ and reminds us we can choose the focus of our hearts and the attitudes of our minds. 

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV)

5.  Attitudes will never be perfect but they can get better.
Ultimately the diseases of a bad attitude find their roots in our fears, hurts and pride. There is no arrival point when it comes to maintaining a healthy attitude. As long as we live in this world it will be a struggle.   Paul refers to this with a great word of hope. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV) 

Putting off the old self and putting on the new self is a struggle.  It is a sanctifying struggle every serious follower of Jesus wrestles with and yet God has given us the tools to make progress, the Holy Spirit - the word of God and the encouragement of God’s people - the church.

Conclusion
Have you ever seen your favorite sports team lose focus?  The mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation.  Teams that lose mental focus make mistakes, stupid little errors that can cost them a victory.  As spiritual leaders our spiritual preparation is intimately tied to our mental, emotional and physical preparation.  In over 28 years of working with spiritual leaders, I have seen that the ministry ending or altering mistakes have always started in their minds well before they came out in their behavior or
decision-making.

Use the following reflective questions to help you and your team maintain a healthy spiritual and
mental focus:

Reflective Questions 

In the last week how has your attitude revealed a deeper problem?
Are you satisfied with the outcomes of your life, ministry or work?
Do you agree with the statement “Your attitude dictates your environment”?
How does our position in Christ enable us chose a better attitude?
How do you deal with the struggle of maintaining a healthy attitude on a daily basis?

27 Biblical Thoughts on A Healthy Attitude

Psalm 26:2  - "Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind"
Psalm 119:113 - "I hate double-minded people, but I love your law."
Proverbs 12:8 - "A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised."
Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Lamentations 3:21  - "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope."
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."
Ephesians 4:22-24  - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
2 Peter 3:1 - "Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking."
Romans 8:5-7  - "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so."
Romans 14:13 - "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."
Romans 15:5-6  - "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 12:3  - "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."
Romans 13:14 - "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."
1 Corinthians 2:16 - "But we have the mind of Christ."
Philippians 2:5 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:2  - "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord."
Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 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."
Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
1 Timothy 6:4-6  - "They are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain."
2 Timothy 3:8  - "Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected."
Titus 1:15 - "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted."
James 1:8  - "Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
James 4:8   - "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
1 Peter 1:13  - Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
1 Peter 4:7  - "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray."
1 Peter 5:8  - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

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Courage is the Prerequisite for Unity

In Lagrange, Ohio there was a wedding.  Weddings are pivotal moments in the lives of all families but for a blended family it is often filled with joy, pain and at times even tension.  Todd Cendrosky the stepfather of the bride found himself filled with mixed emotions wondering why after investing 14 years in raising his stepdaughter, he had to sit in the crowd and not walk her down 
the aisle.

Then the processional music began and the crowd was stunned to see Todd Bachman the biological father of the bride walking down the aisle alone without the bride. They watched him walk straight towards the bride’s stepfather grabbing him and saying, 'Hey, come with me. You've had just as big of a part in raising this child. It's time for you and I to walk OUR daughter
down the aisle together.'

Brittany Peck the bride said, "It meant the world to me. I've dreamed of this, ever since I knew that my stepdad was going to be my second dad. But I always knew in the back of my head that it wouldn't happen because …no one ever got along."

Todd Bachman said, "It's a shame more parents can't set aside their egos for an event like this.”  

What a statement to the church today.  Gene Wood in his book Leading Turnaround Churches states, “…that 95 percent of all serious problems in the church stem from a power struggle”. 

It is a shame that more pastors, lay leaders and parishioners can’t set aside their egos for the families, teenagers and children who are within reach of their ministry.

It’s a shame that more people can’t set aside their agendas, their personal comfort and their preferences for the mission of the church.

Paul prayed for the church to be unified and that God would be glorified. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:5-6 

Knowing that it will take both grit and grace to unify a church, Paul prayed for a supernatural endowment of God’s unifying power to fall on the church in Rome.

For a diverse network of churches to be better together it is going to take the God of endurance and God of encouragement to unify us together as we start and strengthen churches throughout our region.

The bride Britney Peck said this about her biological father Todd Bachman, "It amazed me how he could be such a strong man and give me away with my stepdad."

It took the Grit and Grace of one man to bring unity to his family, to heal relationships and to bless his daughter.

Pastor, may the God who gives grit and the God who gives grace empower you to unify your church, to achieve God’s mission and bring glory to His name.

Converge cannot do this mission without you…your heart, your attitude, your grit and your grace set the tone and direction for your church.

Pastor, just as Todd Bachman courageously unified his blended family, we need you to lead your church into a deeper partnership with Converge because Converge is Better Together with You.

“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien