WPC Warm Up, January 30, 2012

Why is it we tend to ask, "What do you feel about this?", and not, "What do you think about this?" If we begin with what or how we feel about something, then we are beginning with ourselves as the source for insight and even truth. That puts our fears, our anxieties, our prejudices, our own experiences into play first. The apostle Paul would say this puts us at risk. Read Colossians 2:6–19 with me. In verse 8 he says, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy or empty deceit..." In a word he calls us all to "think". Spiritual health and maturity begin with using our minds. Thinking leads feeling, and together they inform our deciding to act (behavior), leading to greater insight and even better thinking, what we call "wisdom". Think about what you fear and worry about. Ideas matter. What we understand about Jesus Christ matters. What are you doing this week to take good care of the life of your mind?

Pastor Dick Thompson