I love dogs. Since my dad was a dog handler in the Air force, I grew up around them. Dogs are able to do tricks, find drugs or bombs, guard things, and even catch the bad guys. They are loyal and obedient. Growing up I remember our dog loved Dairy Queen ice cream and on the ride home, he would hang his head out the window and let that wind blow dry his face.
It seems easy to tame dogs and gain their loyalty. When it comes to training children, it is moderately challenging. In order to get my son to use the bathroom when he was little, I would put a single cheerio in the toilet and tell him to sink it. Potty training was fun, but not all of parenting is a joy. The human mind is the hardest to tame.
The mind can process thoughts faster than a human computer; harnessing that power is the key. Often times, we speak so fast we forget to think first. We fail to recognize how our hasty words inflict pain on others. Slowing the brain down to allow the tongue to catch up can be difficult.
We need to remember to renew our minds (Rom 12:2) and not be trapped into habitually using the same pattern. Ever felt you were in a rut like a car stuck in mud or snow unable to go anywhere? You need to infuse your mind with Scripture so that you can experience transformational thinking, bringing to light new ways to complete a goal. We are masters at rationalizing our thoughts, but we must captivate and demolish self-destructive thoughts making them obedient to God’s word (2 Cor 10:5). How is this accomplished? It is a difficult task done through perseverance. Just like training a dog, we need to train our brain by offering it new information, even doing tricks. The best choice is immersion in Scripture; additionally puzzles provide a challenge that can stimulate the mind to think. Technology can help as well, offering specific light-wave and sound wave patterns that cause a rewiring of the neuronal pathways in the brain. The hardest part is keeping the commitment. It takes 21 days to form a new habit.
Where do you begin? By THINKing. Word associations are a great memory tool. How can we train the brain to be obedient?
Look at your hand, start with thumb and count your five fingers. Thumb starts with a letter T, as does the word THINK. Use the four fingers that follow for the rest of the word, H.I.N.K.; now you have an acronym forming:
T.H.I.N.K. (TRUE, HELPFUL, INSPIRING, NECESSARY, KIND)
Is what you are thinking TRUE? Meaning, determine where your beliefs originate. A belief is not necessarily 100% certain; look at reality and honestly ask what is factual truth. Confirm what is true, not by feelings or thoughts, but by the tacit experience of tangible truth. Is what you are thinking HELPFUL? Meaning will it help you to get into a better situation. Will it help others through encouragement? Will it help better a relationship or create an attainable goal?
Is what you are thinking INSPIRING? Before you speak, will your words cause damage to a person’s character or emotions and will it come back to haunt you? Are your thoughts inspiring you to better things or assisting others to aspire to new events. Is what you are thinking NECESSARY? Thinking negative thoughts are not necessary. When your thoughts are destructive, is it necessary to express them?
Is what you are thinking KIND? Are you being kind to yourself and praising yourself for good deeds or accomplishments? Are the thoughts of others kind-hearted and encouraging? Honey draws more flies than fire. Recall how the five fingers on your out-stretched hand spell THINK. Think as you imagine your hand extending for a handshake, or reaching out to offer a gift to someone, or giving a pat on the back. Anytime you are working with your hands think of the word and acronym T.H.I.N.K. (TRUE, HELPFUL, INSPIRING, NECESSARY, KIND). This will help you to focus your thoughts and train your mind on these things before you type or say anything that can malign others or yourself.
If only the mind could be like a dog, easily trainable, maybe we wouldn’t have to worry about chasing our tails. By Faith (Forging Attitude In Trusting Him).
