Nick Meeder | Way Finders

Have you ever had a day where you feel like you accomplished nothing? You did lots of stuff, but it was just stuff, nothing significant. [youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=LHPzHsitzCA]   I have found one reason that I do not do what is significant is because of too many distractions. I have mental ADD. Some would probably call me “mental,” haha! However, I have not been diagnosed with it, but let me explain what I mean. While I’m working on one thing, I’ll see or remember another task or project that I was working on, but forgot about. So, I’ll say to myself, “Oh, I forgot about that. I’ll do that really quickly now before I forget again,” and then I forget what I had originally intended to work on. Then, I run from the next thing I forgot about to the next. You combat distraction with focus. Along with focus, you must have periods of scheduled time dedicated to those things in life that are significant. This way, you know ahead of time what you’re supposed to be focussing on because you have a schedule. If you don’t have a schedule, you won’t know what you’re supposed to be working on. In summary, there’s two things to work on to eliminate distraction and accomplish the things which are significant in your life. 1. Have periods of mental focus for particular tasks, projects, or relationships 2. Make a schedule so you have some idea of what and when to focus on the things that are significant.

To grow in Christ, one major aspect that has to change is your thinking.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5-7‬ ESV)

If you have put your trust in Christ, then your sinful flesh has been put to death and you are liberated from the sinful nature. However, because you are not yet glorified with Christ, you have a fallen flesh that is corrupted by sinful habits. These are what the Spirit within you wars against (see Romans 6-8, Galatians 5).

So, how do you set your mind on the things of the Spirit?

1. Renew your mind – By renewing your mind, you become set apart for God (a living sacrifice), and it is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1-3).

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ESV)

2. Set your mind on things above – If you want to do things that will matter for eternity, then you have to look towards and set your intention on eternity. Otherwise, you’ll be distracted by what is here on earth.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1-3‬ ESV)

3. Trust in God, be thankful for His blessings (rejoice!), and think about good things.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4-9‬ ESV)

The difficulty is making these things habits within your mind. Discipline is difficult. I’ve started trying to develop a mental trigger (a habit). For example, every time I run for exercise I’ve been training my mind to focus on God, His attributes, and who He wants me to help or be an encouragement to.  I’ll play some rockin’ music that makes me reflect on Christ, pray, worship and envision what it will be like to enter into God’s rest and be rewarded with the words of Jesus, “Well done good and faithful servant.” I’ve found that this actually energizes me while I’m exercising, instead of what you would expect that I’d be drained.

Why do I want to renew my mind? Our actions flow from our thoughts and mental focus. Jesus even pointed this concept out in Matthew 5:21-30. You see, I don’t want to simply make it to heaven. I want all the jewels and precious stones I can get for Christ’s glory! I don’t deserve His unconditional love and atoning sacrifice for my filthy wretchedness. IT’S. ALL. FOR. HIM!!

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

 

 

1. You must have positive influencers that will cause you to think differently about your life and what you are capable of doing.
2. You must change your thoughts.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/zw9LBK70AQE]

If 2015 is going to be your most successful year ever, then you’re going to need to change something. One of the major aspects of your life that will need to change is who you allow to influence your thinking and decision making.

In looking back over 2014 and celebrating the successes and learning from failures, I discovered something. One major reason 2014 was a very good year for me was because of who I was allowing to influence what I believed about myself and what God was capable of doing. I would have never done what I did, had I not had people in my life encouraging me, sharing knowledge and ideas, and inspiring me to do something significant in life.

The same is true for you! We become who we allow to influence us. If you listen to the news consistently, guess how your thought pattern is going to progress? If you listen to conservative talk radio, guess how your thought pattern will flow? The sad part of this issue is that when we allow these influencers into our lives, we put blinders on to other ideas or a new way of thinking. This limits us because we start to ask the wrong questions. We start to ask questions that limit us and shift blame and responsibility to others, instead of asking questions that empower us to take action and make us responsible for the outcome. If we truly are victims of our circumstances or other people (those in power), then what good is it to sit around and talk about it? All that I gain is an ulcer and a depressed mind.

If you want a different result, change your thinking. One of the fastest ways to change your thoughts is to change your influencers. You don’t have to end your relationships with negative people, you simply have to limit their influence in your life. Instead, gather people around you who think differently or have achieved something significant in life. If you want better finances, then stop listening to your broke friends and start doing what Godly, wealthy people do. If you want contentment in your job, then find out the principles for what creates contentment from those who have found contentment in their job. If you want a great marriage, then find those who have a great marriage, and do what they do. In general, find those who are full of wisdom, have a great marriage and other relationships, and who have found contentment and joy in life. Allow those people to influence you.

So, now is your time to take action. Start by doing some research. We live in the information age. There are more podcasts, blogs, webpages and knowledge on any subject than ever before. Not too long ago it was difficult to bridge the divide between the educated and uneducated people in societies. That gap of knowledge necessary to accomplish your dreams is gone now. The only gap that exists is between your ears. Once you close that gap, you must close the gap between your head and your feet!

Go do something significant!