Putting our Intellect to Use for Ourselves, Others, and God

Our thought life has a profound impact on our emotional wellbeing.  Negative thoughts lead to negative emotions.  This week, counselor Michael Angelo brings us some perspective on this subject while helping us understand the process of changing our negative thinking.  Here is what he has to say:

To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven." — John 3:27 NIV

According to this verse, we get our wisdom from above. It is our responsibility, God says, to use it here on earth, for our benefit and his glory.

One of the more godly ways to grow in knowledge is to understand the damage negative thinking can do to us and our relationships. But knowing this isn't enough. We must also strengthen our mental resolve, reframing troubling thoughts using the basic tenets of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with, of course, our faith in God.

Consider what life would be like if we would trust God and also employ CBT to address the can’ts in our lives, as in:

• “I can’t do that,” 
• “It’s not possible to get rid of that,” 
• “There’s no way that can happen,” 
• “I’m too old to change,” or 
• “I want to change, but I don’t know how.” 

Drawing on the power of our intellect, with God's help, we can turn the can'ts around—greatly improving our state of mind and well-being. And because this type of behavior pleases God, we also engage in spiritual worship. (See Romans 12:1-2.)

A practical example of a change in thinking would look like this. Imagine someone reading this article saying, Wow! This sounds good. It's just what I've always been looking for, and he or she feels happy. Another person reading the information may think, Well, this sounds good, but I don't think I can do it, and is sad and discouraged.

When people are in distress, their perspective is often inaccurate and their thoughts may be unrealistic. But by challenging their distorted thinking, they can think more realistically, they feel better.

This is the essence of CBT, where the emphasis is on understanding how thoughts impact feelings and behaviors. But more than know how the process works, it is even more important to do something about it. This is essential to maintaining our mental health as well as strengthening our trust in Jesus Christ, who serves as the catalyst in making a difference how we view and react to the world.

For more details on CBT, visit http://www.beckinstitute.org/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/. Also, read Romans 12:1-2 for a reminder that the Lord gives us about the importance of transforming our thoughts and renewing our minds.

by Michael Angelo, LCPC