RPM, Volume 11, Number 1, January 4 to January 10 2009

. . .Walking On . . .

By Jim Williams

Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.

As I go through life, I notice the incredible work of grace that it has become. I am acutely aware that a great deal of my actions and reactions in human relations have everything to do with self image. How I think about myself determines:

1) What I dare to do in facing challenges,
2) Who I talk to and what I say,
3) How I think of other people. Thought life, in general

If someone really "takes a liking to me," a poor self-image will limit the esteem I hold him or her in. If I already know them to be esteemed highly publicly, then their high estimation of me lifts my self-esteem. The Bible is talking practical common sense when it says that we ought not to think of ourselves too highly, but so as to have a sound mind. It is a very core issue, rippling into the rest of our being significantly.

Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin' out loud.

This article is provided as a ministry of Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill). If you have a question about this article, please email our Theological Editor.

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