HomeWord - March 10, 2014

You Are What You Think

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

As he thinks in his heart, so is he. —Proverbs 23:7 NKJV

Have you ever heard of the term "self-fulfilling prophecy?" A self-fulfilling prophecy is simply the truth of today's Scripture. You become what you think yourself to be. If you think you will fail, you probably will. If you think you will succeed, then most likely you will succeed.

Your mind is powerful. That's why Paul gives some excellent advice to the Philippian church that is still important for today.

Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:8-9

I'm afraid too many people's lives are a negative, self-fulfilling prophecy, when in Christ we can become so much more. This little poem has helped me focus my thoughts on Christ and on the positive side of self-fulfilling prophecy.

If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you will lose, you are lost.

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a fellow's will;

It's all in the state of mind.

For many a race is lost

Before even a step is run,

And many a coward fails

Before even his work is begun.