LESSON 6   
   *January 29 - February 4   
   Good Thinking   
      
   SABBATH AFTERNOON   
      
   Read for This Week's Study: Mark 7:21-23, Luke 6:45, Acts 14:2, 15:24, Gal.   
   3:1, Ps. 19:14, Col. 3:1-17.   
      
   Memory Text:   
      
      
   "Finally, brothers, 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" (Philippians 4:8, NIV).   
    As one of the most utilized forms of mental health intervention today,   
   cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is based on the assumption that most   
   psychological problems are improved by identifying and changing inaccurate and   
   dysfunctional perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors. People with depression   
   tend to interpret facts negatively; people with anxiety tend to look at the   
   future with apprehension; and those with low self-esteem maximize others'   
   success and minimize their own. CBT, therefore, trains people to identify and   
   change their unhealthy thinking habits into better alternatives that promote   
   desirable behavior and eliminate unwanted ones.   
      
   The Bible teaches us about the connection between thoughts and actions (Luke   
   6:45). Good thought patterns not only are healthy but also provide a way   
   toward integrity: "Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan   
   what is good find love and faithfulness" (Prov. 14:22, NIV).   
      
   This week we'll look at some biblical truths that can help us gain control   
   over our mental activity by allowing Christ to take charge of our mind.    
   *Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 5.   
   SUNDAY   
   January 30   
      
   Thoughts: The Root of Behavior   
      
   Read Mark 7:21-23 and Luke 6:45. What do these texts tell us about the   
   importance of controlling, not just our actions, not just our deeds, not just   
   our words but our thoughts, as well?   
      
   People who suffer from impulse-control disorders fail to resist the impulse to   
   steal, to attack someone, or to gamble. Mental health clinicians know that   
   these impulses often are preceded by a certain thought (or chain of thoughts),   
   which leads to the undesirable behavior. Consequently, patients are trained to   
   identify those thought triggers, dispel them immediately, and occupy their   
   minds with something else. In this way, they gain control of their thoughts   
   and avoid the actions that these wrong thoughts so often lead to.   
      
   Indeed, sinful acts are often preceded by definite thoughts. (Isn't this what   
   temptation is all about?) It is the duty of every Christian to learn to   
   identify, with God's help, the first steps in this process, because dwelling   
   on wrong thoughts lead almost inevitably to sin.   
      
   What alternative is proposed by Paul to deal with immoral behavior? Rom. 8:5-8.   
      
   Mind and behavior are shown by Paul as intimately linked. The Spirit-filled   
   mind will seek good deeds, and the sin-dominated mind will bring about sinful   
   deeds. It is not enough to change the behavior for the sake of convenience or   
   to present a righteous face to the world. The heart (mind) needs to be   
   transformed, or else the eventual fruits will show the true nature of that   
   heart.   
      
   "We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts and the   
   damaging influence of evil thoughts. Let us place our thoughts upon holy   
   things. Let them be pure and true; for the only security for any soul is   
   right-thinking."--Ellen G. White, The Signs of the Times, August 23, 1905.   
   Suppose you had to express, verbally, to others the thoughts you have had   
   during the past 24 hours. What would you say? How embarrassed would you be?   
   What does your answer say to you about the changes you need to make? MONDAY   
   January 31   
      
   Thoughts as a Source of Distress   
      
   What are the things that really frighten you? What are ways that you can learn   
   to trust the Lord, despite that fear? After all, isn't the Lord's power   
   greater than whatever threats you face?    
   Much suffering can occur through thinking. Psychologist Philip Zimbardo, in   
   his book Psychology and Life, reports the case of a young woman taken to a   
   hospital because she was terrified of dying. Apparently there was nothing   
   wrong with her, but she was admitted overnight for observation. Hours later   
   she died. Further investigation showed that years before, a psychic had   
   predicted her death on her twenty-third birthday. This woman died, victim of   
   her own panic, the day before she would have become 23. No question, people   
   can suffer seriously from their negative thoughts; hence the need of wholesome   
   thinking (tomorrow's lesson).   
      
   Also, just as important to remember: we can also adversely affect others'   
   thinking by expressing our negativity to others. Words are very powerful   
   tools, either for good or for evil. Our words either build up or tear down.   
   There is life and death in the words we speak. How careful we need to be with   
   the thoughts and sentiments that come out of our mouths.   
      
   Read Acts 14:2, 15:24, and Galatians 3:1. What do they tell us about the power   
   to impact people negatively?    
   "If you do not feel lighthearted and joyous, do not talk of your feelings.   
   Cast no shadow upon the lives of others. A cold, sunless religion never draws   
   souls to Christ. It drives them away from Him into the nets that Satan has   
   spread for the feet of the straying."--Ellen G. White, The Ministry of   
   Healing, p. 488.   
   Think about times someone's "mere" words tore you down in a big way. How can   
   you be sure you never do that to anyone else? TUESDAY   
   February 1   
      
   Wholesome Thinking   
      
   "Finally, brothers, 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" (Phil. 4:8, NIV).   
      
   What is the essence of Paul's words to us here? What is the key to doing what   
   he says? See also 2 Pet. 3:1, 2.    
   Remembering, repeating, thinking about, and meditating on the words in the   
   Bible is one of the greatest spiritual blessings available to us, and it is a   
   sure way to cultivate what Peter called "wholesome thinking" (2 Pet. 3:1,   
   NIV). Many people have obtained invaluable blessings by committing to memory   
   treasured Bible texts. When confronted with moments of worry, doubt, fear,   
   frustration, or temptation, they have repeated such thoughts in their minds   
   and have obtained relief and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
      
   With so many alluring competitors (TV, computer, etc.), this generation of   
   believers is being tempted to put the Bible aside. It is necessary therefore   
   to make a committed decision to read and reflect upon the Word every day. The   
   Word of God is the only true fortification we have against the mental   
   onslaught of unspiritual distractions that come from the world.   
      
   Look again at the text above. Make a list of what things you encounter that   
   are true, pure, lovely, and so forth. What does that list consist of? What do   
   these things have in common? Bring your list to class and share it with others   
   on Sabbath.    
   Prayer is another way to keep the mind out of trouble. While we talk to God,   
   there is little chance for lustful or other forms of selfish thoughts.   
   Acquiring prayerful habits is a sure protection from sinful thoughts and,   
   consequently, from sinful actions.   
   The Bible is clear: God cares about our thoughts, because our thoughts impact   
   our words, our actions, and our overall well-being. God wants us to have good   
   thoughts because good thoughts, "wholesome thinking," is good for us, both   
   physically and mentally. The good news is that through meditating on the   
   Bible, through prayer, and through Spirit-inspired choices on our part, we can   
   keep our minds and hearts on things that will uplift ourselves and others as   
   well. WEDNESDAY   
   February 2   
      
   The Thoughts of Our Hearts   
      
   Read 1 Kings 8:39, Psalm 19:14, 1 Chronicles 28:9, and 1 Samuel 16:7. What   
   crucial point are these texts making? More important, how should this truth   
   impact us and how we think? Does this truth idea make you nervous and fearful,   
   or does it give you hope? Or both? Analyze the reason for your answer.    
   "For you alone know the hearts of all men" (1 Kings 8:39, NIV). The word heart   
   often is used in the Bible as the seat of thoughts and emotions (see Matt.   
   9:4). Only God has access to the intimacy of our mental activity, to our true   
   intentions, and to our secret yearnings. Nothing, even in the form of a   
   fleeting thought, can be hidden from the Creator.   
      
   God's knowledge of our soul is to our advantage. When people are too   
   discouraged to utter a sensible word of prayer, God knows their need. Humans   
   can look only at the outer appearance and behaviors, and then try to imagine   
   what someone else is thinking; God knows the thoughts in ways others never can.   
      
   Likewise, Satan and his angels only can observe, listen, and estimate what   
   goes on inside. "Satan cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions,   
   hear our words; and from his long knowledge of the human family, he can shape   
   his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character."--Ellen G.   
   White, The Review and Herald, May 19, 1891.   
      
   As you make everyday decisions (personal or work-related) or think of other   
   people, pause for a moment and send a quiet prayer to God. Enjoy the   
   understanding of an intimate dialogue that is for you and God alone. Nobody   
   else in the universe is privy to this communication. Allowing Christ into your   
   thinking process will safeguard you from temptation and bring spiritual   
   blessings. This process will, beyond doubt, help you build a closer walk with   
   the Lord.   
   How does the day's lesson help you better understand the biblical admonition   
   not to judge others? How many times have your motives been misjudged by those   
   who don't know your heart? Why, then, is it important not to judge others in   
   return? THURSDAY   
   February 3   
      
   The Peace of Christ in Our Hearts   
      
   Read Colossians 3:1-17. What are the specific actions that we are called upon   
   to do in order to live the kind of life in Christ we are promised?    
   This passage takes us to the root of moral and immoral behaviors, the heart   
   and mind. It also points at the only One who can work goodness in us by   
   governing our thoughts, Jesus Christ: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your   
   hearts" (Col. 3:15, NIV). Note expressions such as "set your hearts," "set   
   your minds," "put on love," "let the peace of Christ," "let the word of   
   Christ." They indicate that avoiding sin and acquiring virtue is a matter of   
   choice and preparation, not improvisation. Sin can be overcome only by setting   
   hearts and minds on things from above. Christ is the source of virtue and   
   goodness. Christ, when allowed by us, is the only one capable of bringing true   
   peace to our minds.   
      
   Our minds, then, being the core of our existence, need to be put under the   
   care of Jesus. It is central to the development of character, and it cannot be   
   left to the mercy of circumstances. Sinful tendencies and corrupt environments   
   both work against purity in thought. Yet, the Lord does not leave us   
   abandoned; He extends His help and protection to all who want it. "Our   
   thoughts, if stayed upon God, will be guided by divine love and power." Thus,   
   we must "live on the words that proceed from the lips of Christ."--Ellen G.   
   White, Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 669.   
      
   In the middle of spiritual warfare, a person may be tempted and find it very   
   difficult to dispel certain adverse thoughts. In those moments, it may be   
   easier to distract oneself by changing place or activity or seeking good   
   company. This may permit a change that facilitates prayer and assurance.   
   Thought is a very mysterious human process. We really don't know for sure even   
   what it is or how exactly it works. In most cases, though, in the inner   
   recesses of our consciousness, we alone make the choice regarding what we are   
   going to think about. A thought can be changed in an instant. We simply have   
   to make the choice to change it. (In some cases, though, mental illness can   
   affect a person's ability to change their thoughts easily, and so professional   
   treatment [if available] can be extremely beneficial.) What about your   
   thoughts? Next time the wrong ones come, what are you going to do? FRIDAY   
   February 4   
      
   Further Study:    
      
   "More precious than the golden wedge of Ophir is the power of right thought.   
   We need to place a high value upon the right control of our thoughts. . . .   
   Every impure thought defiles the soul, impairs the moral sense, and tends to   
   obliterate the impressions of the Holy Spirit. It dims the spiritual vision,   
   so that men cannot behold God. The Lord may and does forgive the repenting   
   sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred. All impurity of speech and   
   thought must be shunned by him who would have clear discernment of spiritual   
   truth. . . . We are to use every means that God has placed within our reach   
   for the government and cultivation of our thoughts. We are to bring our minds   
   into harmony with Christ's mind. His truth will sanctify us, body, soul, and   
   spirit, and we shall be enabled to rise above temptation."--Ellen G. White,   
   The Signs of the Times, August 23,  1905.    
   Discussion Questions:   
      
     In class, go over the list you made on Tuesday and compare yours with others   
   in your class. What can you learn from one another's picks?    
    What is the meaning of "bringing into captivity every thought to the   
   obedience of Christ"? 2 Cor. 10:5. How can we learn to do that?    
     How do the Internet, TV programs, recreational reading, advertisement, etc.   
   work in your mind? How much of your thinking and doing may be affected by   
   these sources? Why do we fool ourselves if we believe that what we read or   
   watch doesn't impact our thinking?    
    What are ways in which our actions, even subconsciously, reveal the thoughts   
   in our minds? How does body language show what's going on inside?    
    What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with impulsive   
   behavior? What promises can you present to them from the Bible? Why is it also   
   important to keep before them all the promises of forgiveness and acceptance   
   through Jesus? How can you keep them from giving up in complete despair,   
   believing that, because they have not achieved the victory that they want,   
   their relationship with God is somehow deficient? How can you help them learn   
   never to give up on the promises of forgiveness, no matter how unworthy they   
   feel?    
    How careful are you with your words, which simply reflect your thoughts? How   
   can you be sure your words always are working for good and not for evil?    
      
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