Years ago I went to a motivational speaking conference.
One of the speakers that day was a guy named Zig Ziglar.
Although he’s no longer around, he’s still considered one of the world’s greatest motivational speakers.
A couple of things said that day stuck with me.
One was this: “Don’t let yourself get weighed down by Stinkin – Thinkin!”
Zig’s point was that our thought life matters … and he was right!
Here’s why … Our thoughts determine our actions … Our actions determine our habits … Our habits determine our direction … and Our direction determines our destiny.
[bctt tweet=”Our Thoughts Ultimately Determine Our Actions.”]
So we can’t allow ourselves to be weighed down by Stinkin – Thinkin, because it never leads to a good place!
There is actually a great Bible verse that has been telling us this for years:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
That verse tells us to fill our minds with good stuff and not to get weighed down by Stinkin – Thinkin.
As I write this, the world is gripped by this pandemic. Right now things are a little crazy and our lives are different in a lot of ways.
And all of that can get to us …. It can cause us to begin focusing on all of the negative stuff out there. If we’re not careful, Stinkin – Thinkin syndrome will sneak-up on us.
But I want to encourage you to not let that happen!
Instead, fill your mind with the right kind of stuff … good stuff!
[bctt tweet=”Don’t get weighed down by Stinkin-Thinkin.”]
Don’t get weighed down by Stinkin – Thinkin … Instead, take the Apostle Paul’s advice:
“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5b (ESV)
Remember … Our thoughts determine our actions … Our actions determine our habits … Our habits determine our direction … and our direction determines our destiny.
I can testify that it causes me to be somewhere i never intended to be.
I can testify that stinkin thinking always takes me to a place where I never intended to go.
As my father lay on his death bed, he recited Philippians 4:8 to me when he and I were alone. We had just been talking about the grief the family was going to walk thru and his counsel was still based on God’s Word. I lean into that verse all the time and appreciate you Pastor Ed for using it in the context of this topic. No Stinkin’ Thinkin’ Allowed!
Amen!!
Love this! I testify! So grateful to Jesus Christ that He is our refuge on the battlefield of our mind! I do not choose those thoughts, but through the mighty Power of God, I no longer have to engage in that tug of war full with the enemy! I stand with the Word of God and trust in Him when I do my part in refusing to entertain any on slaught of thoughts not of Him Hallelujah take every thought captive and MAKE OBEDIENT TO YOU LORD JESUS!
Your message is extremely timely! Now to implement it in the face of difficulty! Thank you for the word of the Lord.