April 24th 2012
Proverbs urges: "More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it" (Prov. 4:23 CEB). Other translations state: "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts" (GNT) -- "they are the source of true life" (CEV), or authentic life.
Your greatest asset is the authentic you that God created you to be. Your unique "value added proposition" is not defined by the roles you play or the titles you wear, but by the glory that comes forth from your soul. Only after a soul is restored can it become an instrument of restoration. The challenge to live authentically is a call to everyone. It is a challenge to develop your greatest asset -- your own soul. The health and vitality of your soul is determined by thoughts that will either nurture authenticity or erode it.
Cultivating authenticity is important because your authentic self grows from that seed of greatness God put on the inside of you--the deposit God made when He formed "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Yet too often that seed can be over-run by the weeds and thistles of fear, shame, doubt, worry, bitterness, discontent, and all kinds of negative thoughts. This is why a daily soul cleanse is so important! Don't neglect the life of your soul for even a single day. Just as you wash and nourish your body on a daily basis, so you should nourish and strengthen your soul every day.
I want to encourage you to take "me-moments" this week -- to reconnect and keep company with your authentic self. Quiet your mind enough so you can hear yourself -- your true self -- speaking. Practice a positive internal dialogue. Restore your soul by meditating on the Word of God. Fill your mind with healthful, nutritious thoughts. Focus on developing your greatest asset! "Then your light shall dawn in the darkness" (Is. 58:8).
Philippians 4:8 MSG: Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. . . . Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
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