Sinking about...

Okay, first of all, you need to watch this video. The rest of the post won't make sense without it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmOTpIVxji8

I never get over how funny that is! Mostly because when VISION went to France in May, we had a German translator for half the trip, and sometimes our languages got a little jumbled. Aside from the funnies though, in all seriousness, this touches on some pretty deep stuff if you have a philosophical brain (thanks for that, Fred!) and an affinity for language. Let's go back to the phrase that cracks everyone up... "What are you... sinking... about?" Obviously, the humor lies in the fact that "sinking" and "thinking" are indistinguishable to this poor German kid. When you think about it though, how often is that true in our lives? How many times does our (as my old Psych prof used to call it) "stinkin' thinkin'" lead to the literal sinking of our emotions, our attitudes, and even our spiritual lives? According to the Bible, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 ESV)" Therefore we are told to "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2 ESV)" The only way to get rid of the thoughts that bring us down is to turn to God and align our thought pattern with His. Or, as it says in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV)" That transformation can only come through Christ. At the same time, though, it is our duty to allow ourselves to be transformed, and to purposely change our own stinkin' thinkin' to become more like Jesus. "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)" We must prepare our minds, but it is is setting our hope on God's grace that allows us to carry on. I urge you, keep watch over your thoughts today. When your mind starts to wander, make sure it's only wandering up. And, as Paul said so well in Philippians 4:8,

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)"

So... what are YOU sinking about?