Change how you think

Erwin McManus talks about the importance of knowing how to think in episode 1 of the Mind Shift podcast. He says the "highest level of thinking is tied to empathy." Our thinking improves as we learn how to see life through someone else's eyes. That makes sense since it is other focused thinking which will lead us into a truer expression of God's Kingdom.

He challenges the way many Christians look at the scriptures. He says a lot of times "We're not actually reading the Bible, we're reading everything we're told about the Bible, so we're superimposing our already preset convictions on a passage of scripture." That process will always hinder authentic thinking and spiritual growth. 

McManus encourages us to "always come into things as if we are a novice." I agree, which is why I always talk about having an open mind, always being curious, and always asking questions. Nothing should be off the table. I would say Jesus agreed as well when he said “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mat. 18:3 ESV). And that doesn't mean they will not get to "Heaven". It means they will not be able to enter into all that the Kingdom of God is right here, right now. This is why other focused thinking works! Only an empty vessel can be filled. When God fills us, we empty our self again by pouring out what we have to others. Then God fills us again and so on. I call it the garden hose principle!

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