Habits of Mind

Today’s Bible Reading:  1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-14; Philippians 4

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:

Topic: Good Thinking

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians 4:8

…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things (Phil 4:8 NIV).

OBSERVATION:

I do not consider myself a guru on the subject of leadership, but part of the calling the Lord has personally given me as a Christian minister is to be a leader who develops other leaders. In pursuit that calling I have earned my masters degree in the field of organizational leadership. Consequently, I have read and continue to read many books and articles on the science, art and practice of leadership. This passage in Philippians 4 reminds me of something I read about the self discipline of good leaders. Good leaders develop habits of mind or patterned ways of thinking that define how they approach and resolve issues. They develop a mindset that is focused on the creation of possibility.

This is what I believe the Apostle Paul is speaking of in Philippians 4:8. It will only be good and beneficial to develop habits of mind that dwell on good, positive things—true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy things.

APPLICATION:

Everyone faces problems and obstacles in life. Whether it is in his or her personal life or in their business dealings, a good leader has developed the habit of mind that dwells on the solution—on overcoming the obstacles. Of course, this principle is not just for leaders, it is for everyone. Just as developing healthy eating habits and healthy exercise routines, developing habits of mind that think on such things as Paul has listed is healthy and beneficial to our well being and success.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for this reminder that You are always present with me. When hardship or trials come to me, help me remember that all things are possible when I have Your presence within me. You are able to bring light into darkness. You can take what is bad and what is meant for evil and miraculously bring good from it. Help me to think on such things as these. Through Christ. Amen.  -AP