G.U.T.S. (18) Garbage Uglies The Soul – Zig Ziglar has advised that we get rid of “stinking thinking.” Some things are just plainly wrong but we indulge in them any way. Pity parties, resentments, jealousy and on the list goes. If we would improve our life; we need to take out the garbage and give it no room in our head or heart. Like good computer maintenance; G.I.G.O. [Garbage in, Garbage out.]

Romans 12:2 says it this way:  “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” NLT

One reason people do not change harmful thought patterns is lack of recognition. The thought creeps in and takes root, without even being recognized for what it is. So what do we do to change this?

The picture comes to mind of a robber caught red handed in a convenience store, after hours. The lights are flashing, the alarm is going off; he knows he has done something wrong and frantically tries to escape. So what’s my point… It’s certainly too late for the robber to recognize his wrong having already committed the act. But WHAT IF the robber could have had the lights flash & the alarm go off in his head; BEFORE he went in to the store. It is unlikely that he would continue his foolish act.

What I a driving at is that early recognition can help us prevent problems, before they happen. Try this. Make a specific list of 3 unproductive, unhealthy thoughts that “pop” into your brain. Write them down.

Now, write down the thought you would like to have in its place. The next time the unhealthy thought comes, literally let the lights flash & bell ring in your head. [Carry a darn bell & a flashlight if you have to, until you can do it inside your noggin]. Early detection is the key here.. As soon as the unhealthy thought you have pre-decided to deal with jumps up: let the lights flash & the bells ring.

Now what? Glad you asked….  When you have detected this unhealthy thought & ring the bell & flash the lights in your head; NOW Sieze The Moment. Think the new thought you have already decided in advance to think in its place!!!

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT

If you will practice this new idea, every time the old one pops into your head for 30 days; it will become a habit. A GOOD HABIT. You will find the healthy thought beginning to replace the thought of stinking thinking.

Try it! What do you have to lose but a ratty thought?  What do you have to gain but a glorious new way of thinking?

Garbage uglies the soul. Let’s get rid of it!!