Over the past few weeks I have been traveling a lot. I have done a little radio channel flipping but mostly I have sat in my vehicle thinking. On top of that I have taken a little time at my parents to do some metal detecting. Again it is more of an opportunity to spend time inside my own head.

With all that time on my hands to think I have to battle to keep my mind from certain thoughts. Today I was thinking about a passage of scripture from Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer 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.” (NIV)

A big part of the Christian life is transforming our thought life. Fighting that battle between our ears. If we are not careful we can slip into non-Christian thinking.

I have to battle some of these things.

1. I Need to Remember that Not Everything Is About Me. It is easy for me to think that they said that to hurt me. They did that because they know it irritates me. I can somehow think that people are secretly plotting to make my life more difficult and unpleasant.
I think most of us would be surprised at how little other people think about us. I am almost sure that no one is plotting against me or against you. Their actions usually are the result of chance more than hate.

2. I Usually Expect the Worst from Other People. Often I think that one comment from a person means they are mad at me. I think that one time they gave me that dirty looks means they do not like me. I often read the worst into other people’s actions and words.
Yet, my personal experience is that most people are fairly good-natured. They want the best for other people, especially those people they know well. Why do I never assume the best?

3. I Fight Worrying About Everything. If you are late my mind often slips into fear that something awful has happened. I am afraid when my kids are out by themselves. I fear when my wife travels alone. I worry about finances, strangers, faith, work and a thousand other things.
I have to continually remind myself of the Biblical concept that worry cannot change anything. Worry cannot prevent anything and it cannot fix it when it does happen.

I have to keep fighting this battle in my mind daily. There are other battles that each of us fight along with these. If I am not careful I can have complete arguments in my mind with someone I have never talked too. I can make enemies out of people who never meant to hurt me. And I can live in constant fear of things that never happen.

Christians are called to transform their thinking. We are to have a different mindset than the rest of the world. It does not come easily because it is the biggest battle most of us will ever fight.