The more people I mentor, the more I am convinced that how a person perceives God controls every aspect of their life, especially how they view themselves.
The interesting thing is – despite this critically pivotal state of mind and heart, most people have little awareness of how they see God.
And so, one of the first things I listen for is my client’s mindset about who God is to them. This is often revealed in subtle ways, in the words they casually speak, when they they talk of their past experiences, or what their current struggles are.
Their mindset about who God is to them is formed from a variety of sources from growing up, to what they were told in school, to what they see in the media, or while they’re out and about in the world. Even what they are taught in church. (Yes, I understand, people get nervous when I say those kinds of things.) Slowly over time conclusions about God and a person’s relationship to Him get solidified to the point that they are never questioned, let alone challenged.
Over my many years of being a Christian, I have hit plenty of walls of frustration and fear. But in each instance, God had given me the opportunity to question and challenge my perception of Him, how He related to me, what He had in store for me, what His promises to me were — yes, you probably noticed a theme… ME.
But contrary to the saying, ‘it NOT about YOU,'” I believe there are times when it has to be about me… and my mindset about God, which gives me my perception of Him, which will control how I experience what I am going through, and what choices I will make as a result.
Often the Lord has shown me that something definitely needed to be tweaked in my mind… I need the spirit of my mind to be renewed, rejuvenated, and often changed. And He is faithful to do it. The more I can see Him as Good, and Good to and for ME, the more I experience His goodness toward me. This leads to greater peace, clarity, and confidence. I am able to soar and rise above the difficulties, armed with new spiritual and practical tools and weaponry, all in the safe context of a loving God.
If you are feeling like things are not going so well with you, maybe it’s time to challenge your existing mindset. Ask God to show you what may not be working in your thought life, even in your subconscious. Tell Him through writing or speaking… not just thinking, that you are ready to hear and see. He is all about your success, freedom, and fulfillment.
God bless you, my friends.
EXCELLENT ANALYSIS! I’m teaching a message next week called “The Contents of HIS Name” and it’s about this same understanding. Some time ago it was revealed to me that the contents of ones understanding and beliefs about a person determines who they expect to respond when they call on that person. My Wife,my Sister and my Mother all call me by name but each one has a different understanding of who it is that will respond. Their expectation determines their manifestation. The same is true about our Glorious God our faith determines who responds. Great Grace to you Sis I enjoyed your teaching. @1dafullGodsboi
Thanks, Art! Good take on my message!! Where do you teach?