Someone once wrote, “We are not our thoughts. We have thoughts… but even if we are not our thoughts we must deal with them.” This thought gives me hope! But as I ponder this freedom I am also reminded of Jesus’ teaching of how thinking about doing something hurtful or inappropriate makes one as guilty as the person who follows through.
In this tension I see two invitations. The first, to listen to what we tell ourselves about ourselves. Is the negativity exaggerated? Do we think of ourselves more highly than we ought? Are the thoughts extreme? Do they offer space for creativity and grace? How are we dealing with our thoughts — especially the negative ones that invite us to allow fear, anger, or hopelessness to fester?
The second invitation I see is to listen to what we tell ourselves about others. Is the negativity exaggerated? Are the thoughts extreme? Do they offer space for creativity and grace? How are we dealing with our thoughts — especially the negative ones that invite us to allow our fear, anger, or hopelessness to fester?
In both mindsets I see an invitation for pause and reflection — to refocus our thoughts.
St. Paul offers wonderful advice that we know so well. Dare we practice it? “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” --Philippians 4:8
Pastor Jo
June 14, 2022
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