Weekly Thought – July 8, 2014
Fred had a power phrase that became well-known in the 1950s… “there’s magic in believing if you don’t believe in magic.” He practiced PMA – positive mental attitude, but not before building a foundation on SMD – Strong mental discipline.
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Think Right
Some people say perseverance is what you do while you wait for the hearse; others say it is what you do while waiting for the bandwagon. I am a realist – I am not a sugary sweet Pollyanna. If you doubt this, just ask my family or some of the negotiators on the other side of the table. I have no mental category for escapism. But, I do know I can choose between positive and negative thoughts and behaviors.
The great reformer Martin Luther was known to battle depression. One morning his wife came down dressed in black, wearing a mourner’s veil. Her surprised husband asked, “Who is dead?” She somberly replied, “God, from the way you are acting.” He taught us about grace; she instructed him in gratitude.
Fears immobilize. Do you let fear destroy your dreams? Protect yourself from negative internal conversations. Faith is the answer. Faith in action is the antidote to “stinkin’ thinkin’” as my dear friend Zig Ziglar calls it. Slipping into negative thinking quickly propels us into negative behavior.
The little black book people use for their “get even with” list is a poison package. The Scripture tells me, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay, says the Lord.” The mature life has no room for vengeance. It is an acid that eats away at the inner being. Unfortunately, some of us form our lives around a hurtful incident until it becomes the core of life. The oyster takes the irritating sand and creates a pearl. The vengeful build an ugly, deformed knot.
They become mean-spirited, cynical, unhealthy, desperate, joyless, and certainly unpleasant to be around.
I know it is difficult to avoid bitterness when hurt. I have certainly experienced some deep wounds. But I have chosen to discipline my attitude, opting to become better, not bitter.
This week think carefully about: 1) What wounds are still causing pain? 2) How have I chosen to think rightly about difficulties? 3) Why am I choosing better not bitter?
Words of Wisdom: “Slipping into negative thinking quickly propels us into negative behavior.”
Wisdom from the Word: “And another man dies in bitterness of soul, never having tasted anything good.” (Job 21:25 NET Bible)