Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
The pinnacle of the Divine Smart-Thinking Pyramid is crowned with “excellent and praiseworthy thoughts”. Excellent thoughts drive “improvement and excellence”. Praiseworthy thoughts motivate and activate the dopamine that enhances “memory, mood and movements” of the body.
Research says that 46.9% of our thoughts are about events or people that are totally unrelated to us. These could be critical, complaining, contemplative or crude thoughts that hijack us from productivity. Wasting time by revisiting the past or excessive analysis is called ‘binge thinking’. Binge Thinking is spending too much time thinking about or analyzing [something] in a way that is more harmful than helpful.
Smart-Thinkers will stop themselves from wallowing in the rut of the past. They would redirect their thoughts to what is excellent and praiseworthy rather than what makes them feel inferior and shameful. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people” – Eleanor Roosevelt. Replace self accusing, insecure and belittling thoughts with excellent thoughts and praiseworthy thoughts.
After the resurrection of Jesus, He visited the disciples and restored Peter, (who denied Him three times), to his purpose and calling. Jesus tenderly reinstated and reassured him, saying “follow me”. Yet, after the therapeutic restoration Peter picked on John and asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” (John 21:21b). Jesus reprimanded Peter, “What is that to you? You must follow me” (vs 22b). Peter was a binge-thinker!
Smart-Thinkers don’t waste time in regret, self-pity or slanderous thoughts. They learn from their past mistakes and move on. They have no time talking about people as they are pondering about big ideas, plans and prospects.
Smart-Thinkers dwell on whatever is Excellent and Praiseworthy:
1. Binge-Thinking: Binge-thinkers engage in excessive over thinking and uncontrollable thinking patterns that are detrimental. They get caught in repetitive replay and persistent thinking about an event, insult or a future fearful possibility until it hurts and harms their emotions. Binge-thinking is an enemy to excellence. Paint, bake or pull the weeds out of our garden and break binge-thinking patterns by replacing it with productive and creative thoughts.
2. Benevolent-Thoughts: Benevolent-thoughts increase your dopamine. When you are attacked by self-demeaning thoughts, uplift and encourage others. When you are afraid, talk about faith and when you are upset, help someone in need. Benevolence increases the “feel-good” hormone. Dopamine replaces humiliating thoughts with excellent and praiseworthy thoughts.
3. Booster-Thoughts: Booster-thoughts are booster shots to the mind that keeps it healthy and hearty. Take time to sit back and appreciate yourself. Appreciation or ‘praiseworthy thoughts’ must not puff ourselves with pride but must encourage us to improve and get better. It helps us to find areas of improvement to continue to excel.
Divine Smart-Thinkers do not stagger deceptive, demeaning or destructive thoughts but ponder on whatever is excellent and praiseworthy.
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Prayer: Precious Lord, please take control of my thoughts and train me to meditate on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Coach me to replace self-destructive binge-thinking with productive, creative thoughts. Amen.
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