When either Dave or I say that to each other, we laugh!
That’s one of those phrases that precedes a statement that is about to bring about change. It could be corrective, expensive, hard work or all three at once.
Let me tell you this morning – I’ve been thinking.
The Apostle Paul gave us this instruction, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”. Thinking like Christ…can you imagine having every thought be one like Jesus had? Jesus said that the things He did and thought were what pleased the Father. Now, that my friend, is definitely something worth striving for.
Jesus, who had been with God the Father at creation, walked by people every day that didn’t recognize Him as God. In fact, some of them were trying to shut him down because they thought the things He was saying were blasphemy. He had some people coming to Him to get their “miracle” fix.
After he did the miracle of feeding 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, they people came back wanting more – why work and go to the market when you can just go to a Jesus meeting and get food for free.
His closest friends, his twelve disciples were thick headed so many times that he had to re-teach his message to them in private so they could understand. Peter came to him and asked how many times should I forgive when I’m offended – seven? No, Jesus said; seventy times seven., in one day. Their thinking was so far removed from this message of Jesus. Each day his heart was filled with forgiveness and love for those He dealt with.
But before we criticize them too harshly we need to examine our own thoughts. How do we react? Do we walk in forgiveness? Are we willing to go over what’s important until someone “gets it” or do we just blow them off and say they’ll never learn? How do we treat people who want to use us or those who just ignore us?
“Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, 2 then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. 3 In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. 4 Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. 5 In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought.” Philippians 2:1-5 ERV
Focus on one thing today – thinking like Jesus!
I can guarantee, your life will be fuller and more rewarding that ever before; it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Renew your mind and then when you say “I’ve been thinking” it will be something others can take to heart.