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Thinking

           Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

True – in accordance with fact or reality.

Noble - having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals.

Right - that which is morally correct, just, or honorable.

Pure - not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material.

Lovely - exquisitely beautiful.

Admirable - arousing or deserving respect and approval.

Excellent - extremely good; outstanding.

Praiseworthy – highly commendable.

Normal - conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.

          Yes, I snuck a word in there. This morning, once again, I found myself struggling with Imposter Syndrome. Specifically, I was thinking my version of Pinocchio. I want to be a “real person.” I want to be “normal.” A thought from Genesis 3 came to mind… “Who told you that you are …” not real? “Who told you that you are…” not normal?

The answer to both is probably, “I told myself.” And I suspect the reason I started telling myself these things is that I wasn’t occupied. My mind could wander, and when it wanders, that’s the direction it wanders in.

Yesterday in church, my pastor preached on “The New Normal” and he gave the best answer I’ve ever heard to “What is normal?” For the Christian, it’s Jesus. He’s the standard, the norm, the usual, the type, and what is expected. He is the reality we are to emulate. It’s obvious. How could I have missed it? I didn’t. I just didn’t use those words.

But return to the other words. How often do our thoughts and our words not reflect what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy, or conforming to the norm set by Jesus Christ? I don’t think this means talking with a sweeter than honey voice and never saying anything that might offend someone. Jesus rebuked people. He didn’t change to suit people.

We need to raise our standard of thinking.

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