What difference does it make what you THINK?

Most everyone would "think" that "thinking" is a good thing, a helpful activity for us. But in my experience, people don't really like to "think" much. Often I hear, "that's too deep." I "think" to myself, "but if it changes your life, isn't thinking differently something you should want to do?"

Part of the problem is that there are two kinds of "thinking." Most of the time we "think" about cliches or conclusions others have already reached. We "think" about beliefs like doctrine and accept the arguments others make for us. We really don't "think" about the arguments too much, that takes effort. We mainly "think" about the person who espouses the conclusion and accept what is said based on how we feel about that person. Further, because of confirmation bias, we restrict where we get our "thinking" to sources we already accept and admire. Even more, we don't often "think" about the source of the message but accept it as credible because others we want acceptance from accept that source.

There are so many ways we actually say with our actions - "what difference does it make what I think?"

I mentioned there are two kinds of thinking. The first described above - we "think" about things others have concluded for us and accept them without much "thinking" in order to belong. The second kind of "thinking" is about the core assumptions that all conclusions are based on. This is really hard work, but that's not why we rarely 'think" about them. They are out of sight. The messengers of our "thinking" don't often go there. The reason assumptions are out of sight for most of us is that they are built in to our nature. They are normal ways of "thinking" given our nature. This kind of "thinking" does not change until and unless our nature changes. I should stop here because that's way too deep to "think" about. What difference does it make what my nature is and how it "thinks"?

Here is an example:

Suppose someone gave you a gift that you enjoy very much. It makes you feel important and happy. There are two ways to "think" about that gift to conclude it is a good gift. You can see how well it fits you, how it looks and feels on you, what others may think because you now have one. This way of "thinking" is called "the consequence of things." Another way to "think" about the gift is by focusing on the one who gave you the gift. You can "think" about that person's love for you, their generosity and acceptance of you no matter what you do. The gift is meaningful because the giver is amazing. This way of "thinking" is call "the source of things."

The Bible calls the first way of "thinking" - walking in the flesh, the carnal mind - and this way of "thinking" flows from our fallen human nature.

The Bible calls the second way of "thinking" - walking in the Spirit, the mind of Christ - and this way of "thinking" flows from a regenerated Spiritual nature.

What difference does our nature make? It determines our core assumptions which then influences how we think, feel and act in all of our life's situations. Every doctrine or belief from arguments of smart people are what they are because of one of two "ways of thinking" that they start with. So it is with you.

What difference does it make how we THINK? None at all if we do not aspire to the abundant and virtuous life. Otherwise ......