As we begin this new year, we will be looking at some things that may hinder our prayers and expectations. We have already agreed that God our Father is not a wicked Father. He is loving and desires only good things for us. Not only that, He has prepared things, situations, and circumstances for us to fulfill our expected end. On our part, we have decided to align with His plans and purposes for our lives.
This week, we will be examining one major factor that can affect the good and perfect plan of God for us: mindset.
What is mindset? Mindset is a way of thinking, an attitude or opinion, especially a habitual one. It can also be called a mentality or a set of beliefs. It is the characteristic of your mind, and it affects your structure and processes. It is an established set of attitudes held by an individual.
Your culture, values, philosophy, frame of reference, outlook, and disposition all contribute to your mindset. Your mindset qualities are the beliefs, attitudes, thought patterns, and perspectives that shape how you perceive and approach different aspects of your life and the lives of others, including your career.
Your mindset is so important that it directly affects your results. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”This means that if we could look into a person and see their thoughts, we would see who they truly are. Outward posture or spoken words alone cannot fully describe a person; it is what is within, thoughts and mindset, that controls behavior, reactions to situations, and interactions with others.
What kind of mindset do you have? What beliefs, values, and philosophies shape your thinking? Your mind is powerful, and what resides in it will eventually manifest in your life. You may tell yourself or others that you have a growth mindset, a positive mindset, or any other kind, but your results will clearly reveal the mindset you truly have. It is the signs that follow you that reveal what is inside you.
As we enter this new year, it is very important to deal with mindset issues so they do not hinder your success. The Bible says in Mark 16:17 that “these signs shall follow them that believe.” Not those who merely hear, or those who observe, but those who believe. The issue of mindset cannot be overemphasized.
So how do we deal with it?
1. Understand how mindsets are formed.
Mindsets are formed through a combination of early upbringing, cultural messages, personal experiences, influential role models, and repeated self-talk. These shape your core beliefs about your abilities, the world, and other people. This process often begins in childhood and continues throughout life.
2. Examine your background and influences.
What was your childhood like? What kind of parents did you have, and what words or messages were spoken over you while growing up? What kind of environment did you live in? What societal values, family beliefs, or community attitudes were you exposed to? Were you repeatedly criticized or encouraged? Who were your role models, parents, teachers, leaders, even spiritual leaders, and what influence did they have on your understanding of what is possible or impossible? Your internal dialogue, those constant thoughts, whether positive or negative, also plays a major role in shaping your mindset.
3. Know that your mindset can be changed.
Although it may have taken years to form, your mindset can be transformed. The process may be gradual, and it requires daily effort, but now that you are a child of God, you have the capacity and grace to effect the necessary changes.
4. Renew your mind with God’s Word.
Identify the negative mindsets you can recognize, and prayerfully search the Scriptures for God’s Word that addresses them. The Bible says in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
Ephesians 4:23 also says, “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”
Consciously fill your mind with God’s Word day and night to erase the negative influences of past words. Meditate on the Word and confess it continually. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for edification, that it may minister grace to the hearers.”
The battleground is your mind and thought life. If you overcome there, you have defeated the enemy. Determine from this moment to consciously watch the words that proceed out of your mouth. You cannot stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can prevent it from building a nest in your hair. Negative thoughts will come, but do not allow them to settle. Cancel them immediately with the Word of God and declare what you expect in line with His promises.
Avoid negative pronouncements over yourself, your family, your home, your community, and your environment. Whatever you agree with will continually manifest in and around you. Do not allow fear of any kind. One common meaning of fear is false evidence appearing real. The enemy creates situations that seem real, and once you accept them, you become trapped. Counter every thought with the Word of God.
There is a Word for every situation in the Bible. Do not be lazy, study the Word and apply it. Paul said in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.”
What you believe is what you become. This year, only good will come your way, in Jesus’ name. Amen.