What we think about in our daily lives really matters. Have you ever stopped to wonder what you think about God? How do you feel about God? Believe it or not, our thoughts shape both our actions and our decisions, and our actions and decisions have a direct effect on the outcome of our lives. So, what are your thoughts on God?
Pastor Neil Tomba recently said, “The most important thing you think about today is what you think about God, because it will determine the whole of your life.”
A.W. Tozer also said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
Consider that for a moment. Is this true? Can our thoughts on God be that powerful? How can what we think about God determine the whole of our life?
How can our thoughts on God, both in a general sense and also specifically throughout our daily lives, really make that much of a difference? What we think about God determines the whole of our lives in four main ways.
What You Think About God Determines What You Think About Yourself
What we think about God plays a significant role in shaping our view of ourselves. If we think about God as judgmental or distant, we might internalize those beliefs and feel unworthy or constantly judged. This can lead us to strive to meet unattainable standards.
However, if we think about God as our loving Father who created us in His own image, our thoughts on God often lead to viewing ourselves with higher worth. When we remember what Jesus did for us on the cross to rescue us from our own sin, we remember how valuable and completely loved we are.
God doesn’t make mistakes. No matter how you feel about God or how you feel about yourself, you were not an accident. You were created on purpose, and for a purpose. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
When we think about the sovereign nature of God, we are reminded that He has a plan and a purpose for our lives. God’s Will for us is for our good and for His glory. He wants the very best for us. This is such an important thing to remember from the Bible.
Related Post: You Are Valuable to God
What You Think About God Determines How You View Others
Everyone you encounter is someone created in the image of God and deeply loved by Him. Everyone. Your thoughts on God have the power to influence your view of other people.
How we view our irritating coworker, the man holding the sign on the street corner, or the candidate from the opposing political party reflects our view of God and how we feel about God. How we view refugees, widows, and orphans displays how we perceive God.
Everyone is God’s image-bearer. Each one is someone God loves and Jesus died for. Our thoughts on God either confirm or reject this truth. Do we really believe God created (fill-in-the-blank) in His image? Do we really believe God loves them deeply? Did Jesus really empty Himself, come to earth, bear human form, be rejected, tortured, and die for them?
If the answer truly is “yes,” then that should affect the way we both view and treat them. Perhaps it means viewing them with more compassion than anger. Maybe we need to consider others’ pain behind their sin, or get to know their story beyond their current circumstances.
After all, we cannot reflect God to those around us without loving the world that God loves.
Learn more about how to change your thoughts on God by changing your thoughts about difficult people: 5 Truths About Loving Difficult People
What You Think About God Determines How You View God’s Word
How do you feel about God? Do you believe God keeps His promises? Do your thoughts on God make you feel He is faithful?
In Genesis 1:3, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Can you imagine? All of creation obeys His commands. His Word comes to pass. So then, His Word through the scriptures shows us His commands and His promises to us. And these, too, will come to pass.
God is love. So, when it says “His love endures forever” twenty-six times just in Psalm 136 alone, we can trust that His love for us will remain no matter what happens in our lives.
God is faithful. When it says, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, we can trust that God will be faithful to give us strength.
God is good. Thinking about God as good is powerful! We can stand on His Word when it says:
“The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” - Psalm 145:9
When we align what we think about God with the truth of the Word, good thoughts start to form! When we believe the Bible is true, because God is True, we can apply those truths to our lives. We can walk in obedience to God’s Word, operate in His Wisdom, and rely on God’s Promises for our lives.
Learn more about how to think about God as a promise keeper: God’s Promises for You
What You Think About God Determines What You Think About Eternity
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9
No matter what your thoughts on God are, the truth is that God is merciful. He does not want anyone to perish. God desires all to come to repentance and live eternally with Him.
God is love, and He loves His creation. He loves every image-bearer on this earth and sent Jesus to rescue us all. Thinking about God as perfect love is healing, inspiring, and helps us have hope.
Think about who God is today and what He desires for His image-bearers. This should give us a desire to help those around us know about His love and His free gift of salvation.
We have Good News! We have been rescued from death to life! There is no better story to tell than our own stories of how Jesus pulled us out of our old lives and made us new. When we really think about God and what He’s done, it leads us to pray, “Holy Spirit, lead me into conversations about Jesus today.”
When your thoughts on God are good, you are eager to share your faith with others. Evangelism, sharing the Good News about Jesus, is one of the most important things in the Bible. Learn more about sharing Jesus with others: 3 Reasons Why Sharing Your Faith Story Matters
Today, spend time thinking about God. Think about God, His character, and His promises. Your thoughts on God are one of the most important things in the Bible and have the power to change your life, your friends, and the world. Allow your view of God to shape how you view yourself, others, His Word, and eternity.
What Do You Think About the Church?
Looking to God vs. Looking to the World
We’ve talked a lot about God and why thinking about God is the most important thing you can think about today. But what about the Church? What are your thoughts towards the Church?
Looking to God and having your thoughts on God is incredible, but as Christians, we aren’t meant to walk this life alone. We are designed to be in community with those around us, and most often, we find that community in the Church. Your thoughts on God will influence what you believe about the Church. As you think about God, He may show you where you have been hurt by the Church and where you need to forgive those who have hurt you. The more you think about God, the more you will discover your need for God and your need for His people.The world tells us to be independent, self-sufficient, and to prefer ourselves before others. The Bible tells us to be in community, to express our needs to one another, and to prefer others instead of ourselves.
The world tells us there are more important things than church and that having fun is more important than being faithful. But the Bible tells us not to neglect gathering together (Hebrews 10:25) and that God gives us a joyful heart. Jesus even promised to give us life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10)
One of the most important things in the Bible is to be a part of a local Church. When the Bible was written, Christians were risking their lives just to go to Bible studies or prayer meetings. In some parts of the world, they still are. As you grow in thinking about God, you will grow in thinking about His church with kindness, love, and hope. Wherever you are, find a Bible believing church to be a part of!
Conclusion
The most important thing in the Bible has to do with our thoughts and our love towards God. In the Gospel of Mark, we read:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:30-31
Your thoughts about God, what you think about God, and your love for God are the most important things you can think about today. As you think about God rightly, everything comes into alignment. When you love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, you can see others rightly and love them well. And as you love God and love others, you will build a lifestyle of sharing your faith and changing the world!
Further Reading:
8 Ways to Pray Throughout the Day
How to Find Peace in Stressful Situations
How to Have Joy & Peace in Difficult Times
How to Practice Christian Meditation & Renew Your Mind
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