“Do not conform 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.” Romans 12:2
Using this chart helps you overcome the destructive thought patterns that monkey with your emotions and actions — and dishonor God. You’ll learn to put off sinful patterns and put on godly patterns.
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The Chart
As you use this chart, you will identify the lies you believe. You’ll also begin to recognize the link between what you think and the resulting ugly, ungodly emotions and behaviors. Examples of ungodly emotions are self-pity, bitterness, resentment, envy, worry, fretting, and anger. A few example of ungodly behaviors are gossiping, yelling, making sarcastic remarks, lying, slamming doors, brooding, and so on.
Keep your journal (or paper and pen) with you throughout the day so you may promptly record ugly, ungodly thoughts. Let’s begin with an example so you see how it works.
On your notebook paper, set up your categories like this:
THE LIE. . . . . . . . . . . . . .EMOTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BEHAVIORS
Step 1. Under “The Lie” write your current or recurring negative (ungodly) thought. Then jot down the resulting emotions under “Emotions.” Now list your behaviors under “Behaviors.” Here’s an example.
THE LIE: “I’m stupid”
EMOTION(s): Anger, depression, loneliness
BEHAVIOR(s): Yell at the kids, slam the door, eat a bag of chips
Step 2. Under “The Truth” replace the lie with a biblical truth or a Scripture verse. Then write the likely resulting feelings under “New Emotion” and likely behaviors under “New Behavior.” On your notebook paper set up your categories like this:
THE TRUTH. . . . . . . . . . NEW EMOTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . NEW BEHAVIORS
Here’s a corresponding example.
THE TRUTH: God says all His works are wonderful, so this means I’m an okay person and He’ll help me.
NEW EMOTION(s): Contentment, courage
NEW BEHAVIOR(s): Hug the kids, smile, complete the job application
Step 3. Chart the lies you believe, your emotions, and your behaviors daily. As soon as you recognize a lite, replace it truth. Ask God to help you believe His truth. You’ll begin to see a change in your emotions and behaviors as you replace lies with the truth.
Step 4. Be patient and persevere. You didn’t develop poor thinking patterns overnight. In fact, they may have begun in childhood and are ingrained in your thinking. And so it’ll take weeks, sometimes months for you to kick out stubborn lies. Stick with it. You may also discover that some lies are easier to rid than others. This is normal. They still can be beat. The point it, be patient and persevere. As the Holy Spirit renews your mind, you will catch the lies you believe earlier and earlier, exchanging them for the God’s truth and experiencing godly emotions and behaviors in place of destructive ones.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22,23
You may need my 50-minute ”Think Well” webinar for extra practice and encouragement. The fast, easy download is only $2.
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Order now while you’re it’s on your mind.
