You can change your life by changing the way you think. That is true for both the negative and positive. In your case, since you are created as a masterpiece by God, you want to learn to think like a masterpiece. The thoughts you think determines your words and actions, determines your attitudes and how you relate to others. Thinking is a key element on your Life Palette. So take a moment and consider what you spend your time thinking about, what you fill your mind with.
A New System Of Thinking
In Philippians 4:8 Paul gives us a system of thought, made up of 7 virtues, to assure that you think like the masterpiece God created you to be. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil 4:8 NLT) Take this verse and make it a system of thinking, take one virtue a day and systematically let each one pervade your thinking for that day. Repeat the process for several weeks until it has becomes a habit.
Day one, make a day of thinking about what is true. Truth is a characteristic of God. “Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true.” (Rom 3:4 NLT)
Day two, declare that this is the day of thinking only honorable thoughts. Focus your thoughts this day on things worthy of respect, dignity and things of excellence. Let these thoughts shape your character.
Day three, this is the day to focus on thinking thoughts that are right. That is, thoughts and plans that line up with God’s standards, they are righteous.
Day four, declare as the day to think thoughts that are pure. Thoughts free from anything toxic, negative or sinful. Make this the day that you are purposefully thinking thoughts that are wholesome.
Day five is the day to think lovely thoughts. Paul uses this word to describe thoughts of spiritual beauty. These are thoughts that are pleasing – pleasing to God – thoughts in line with living as a masterpiece.
Day six, determine to think thoughts that are only admirable. Imagine that everyone around you today can hear every thought you think out loud. Would they think they are commendable, positive, and constructive? Are they thoughts that build others up, build you up? Think thoughts that are constructive and offer confidence.
Day seven is the day to think only thoughts that are excellent and worthy of praise. These are thoughts worthy of a masterpiece and God.
Transformed By Renewing Your Thinking
To succeed in this system of thinking begin each day with prayer and ask God to help you to only think of things that are in line with that days virtues. Make a declaration that today is your day to think only thoughts in line with that virtue. Start a list of what thoughts or things that reflect that day’s virtue, add to the list throughout the day. When you feel your thoughts drifting, take out the list and focus your thoughts on those things and ask God to help you focus your thoughts and give you strength to think according to that day’s particular virtue.
As God’s masterpiece, you are created with the mind of Christ. Take it one day at a time, the more you practice this the more you will discover that rather than simply thinking on one virtue a day you will begin to be transformed, thinking of all of the virtues everyday and your thinking will begin to conform to masterpiece thinking.
