SABOTAGE by Glenn Bleakney In 2015, many of us will set goals to improve our health, finances, relationships, productivity, etc. It is a fact that all of us can easily learn skills like goal-setting and creating an action plan. Yet, the reality is that often we end up sabotaging our own progress. This is a result of us repeatedly “psyching ourselves out.” What do I mean by this? Because of negative thinking and faulty assumptions based on the framework of our life experiences we are unable to move forward. It is time to reframe our thinking! In order to do so we must know what the word of God says: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity” (Romans 12:2, J.B. Phillips). Here are a few safeguards that will help you ensure that you are operating within the perimeters of a biblical framework: 1. Check Your Verbiage: Often we are guilty of self-sabotaging our own progress by the choice of words we employ. We say things like, “I could never do that” or “I am stupid when it comes to ....” Start using positive words in your vocabulary. For example, say, “That would be a challenge to me” or “That would be something new to me, but I am up to the challenge for I can do all things because Christ strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). The truth is there are things in life that will stretch and cause some degree of discomfort for every one of us. However, if we step out in faith believing that God will be our helper we will overcome as we persevere. Remember that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is in us! We cannot ultimately fail. 2. Focus on the Solution, not the problem: Focusing on the problem keeps you stuck right where you are. But if you think about the solution there are possibilities. Ask yourself the question, Whats the best way to accomplish this? By asking this specific question, you acknowledge there IS a solution and begin to figure out a positive frame to work within. 3. Challenge Your Assumptions: Deconstructing faulty belief systems by replacing them with the truth of the word of God is critical to moving forward. We must all regularly challenge what we believe by seeking for its precedent in Scripture. However, it is also highly valuable to identify where defective assumptions come from. Are you challenged when it comes to math because a mean-spirited fourth-grade teacher told you so? Pinpointing the source will help you see how you developed so many other great abilities in the absence of such a potentially destructive circumstances.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:29:20 +0000
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