The Law of Substitution- Part 2

"Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect."  Romans 12:2 (God's Word Translation)
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Been waiting in anticipation??

So have I!! Welcome Back! We are in the process of we fixing our thoughts- but where do we begin?

Well, if your mind wants to play tricks on you- you gotta outsmart it! 

God has fearfully and wonderfully created us (Psalm 139:14).
He has given us the ability to train our brain! From birth our brain is making all these connections and associations and programming them into our being to be used later. Therefore, we have the ability and responsibility to condition our mind toward thoughts (and thus actions) that are positive and productive.

Thus, it boils down to the law of substitution and the application of classical conditioning- utilizing the power of The Holy Spirit (of course) and the Word of God. 

Rather than trying to suppress those unproductive, negative thoughts, substitute them with the Word of God and redirect them to the image of that scripture in action.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" [gotta love King James ;D]

WE are thus called on to: 1- Cast Down 
                                    2- Capture (& Exile)

thoughts and imaginations that exalt themselves against the knowledge or obedience of Christ. See, temptation is not there to expose our weakness- but rather to exalt the power of God within us- through the working of His Spirit. God has given us the resources for success in all areas of life, and it begins with the mind> the seat of all human behavior.

                                                                   

So, for example in practice: The next time you're fuming and about to curse:  

- Stop, and recognise the symptoms of tension building up: irritation, hurt etc.

- Acknowledge that you ARE angry- then redirect that emotion to the Word
   of God

- God says, "Be angry and do not sin" (He also acknowledges this emotion, thus not DENYING that you would feel this way, but offering an escape)
                                                       -Ephesians 4:26 & 1 Corinthians 10:13

- Repeat, meditate (yes like a mantra!) on this Word and allow the Holy Spirit
  to fill your mind with new pictures of God's peace, provision & vision for you.

- Walk in that vision of a New You- Let it become your Truth.


It does not happen overnight, but through constant redirection and substitution of altering thoughts with the Word of God- through the Power of The Holy Spirit- we too can have the mind of Christ and live Victorious Lives!


#LawOfSubstitution

"We have the mind of Christ"                                       -1 Corinthians 2:16

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus"  - Philippians 2:5   
  

  

Be #INCouraged

In Christ

© 2012 Allison Pillay

The Law of Substitution- Part 1

"Everything is permissible, but not everything is helpful. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up."                                                     -1 Corinthians 10:23

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Have you ever tried to give up something? A bad habit perhaps, like nail-biting or speeding? It doesn't even have to be a terrible vice like alcohol or smoking or.......or chocolate!

OK, OK...guilty- or should I say- redeemed of the charge!

Giving up things that are bad or not beneficial for us is never easy, especially when they have become a habit. See, I have found that the thing with habits, is that they have a way of actually getting under your skin- and it all starts in the mind.

Psychologists call this Classical Conditioning or the stimulus-response mechanism and it was discovered by Ivan Pavlov in the early 1920s. Basically, he rang a bell before feeding his dogs, and soon enough they began to associate the bell with food. So, once they heard it ring, they would begin to salivate in anticipation of the meal ahead. Simple enough, right? 

Isn't that often how sin begins. A bell or thought goes off in our head. We entertain it- let it run wild. Before we know it, it's taken the form of an action. It feels good, though we know it's bad for us, because the Holy Spirit convicts us. So, we repent. Stop. Turn. A period of time passes. And then again, we hear that old familiar ringing. It's the Bell.

The thought is back, and this time, a little bit stronger. Why? Simple, it knows that we followed through last time. Our mind has entertained the thought and our body is preparing to react. We have conditioned ourselves to respond a certain way. Soon, you find yourself like a puppet/zombie, miming out the actions that only lead to death (Romans 6:23). Being directed by your thoughts....walking dangerously along the edge... again. #Grace!

Thoughts. Thoughts that are becoming actions. Actions that are becoming habits. Habits that are becoming strongholds. So, how do we break the cycle? How do we effectively reclaim our sound minds already bought with the precious blood of Christ?  

By FIXING our thoughts of course!!

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
                                                                               - Philippians 4:8 

But, how do we fix our thoughts? 


#StayTuned:)

#LawOfSubstitution 

                                                                               

Be #INCouraged

In Christ


© 2012 Allison Pillay