If we hope to accomplish big things, our thinking has to change. We have to start thinking big thoughts – not small thoughts. But how do we do that?
I know I always drift back into small thinking. Here are some of the ways I’m constantly challenged to change the way I think.
1. Don’t Argue About What Others Argue About
If you’re arguing on the same level as other people, you’re probably thinking small thoughts. Most people are trapped into worrying about symptoms instead of the source of the problem. Most political arguments – they’re small. The real issue is always something bigger.
God says this: My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Maybe it’s time for us to start thinking higher thoughts like God does.
2. Stop the Fear
Part of that higher thinking is learning to stop living from a place of fear. Throughout Scripture, God tells His people not to be afraid. And while He never offers a practical way to stop fearing, His command always accompanies an opportunity to do something courageous. I believe that’s the key to overcoming fear – being courageous for God.
3. Think Long-Term
Another huge issue I often struggle with is short-term thinking. I’m tempted to make decisions that only affect the short-term at the expense of the long-term. Imagine if you processed most of your thoughts/fears/decisions through a long-term perspective. “How does this affect me ten years from now? Twenty? How does this affect eternity?”
That’s the right time-frame, and it’ll help you avoid thinking small thoughts.
4. Get Outside Your Bubble
Get out of your homogenous community and get around some diversity. I’m not just talking about racial diversity – so people who go to a racially diverse church aren’t exempt from this. I’m saying get around people who act and think differently than you. That means that they probably won’t go to the same church as you because they respond to God differently than you. You might need to get into the rural areas or the urban areas of your community. You might need to go to a different side of town from where you work and sleep. Get around people who are different than you and you’ll start seeing things are bigger than you.
5. Stop Being Around Small-Minded People
Finally, mind your friends. Don’t spend all your time with small-minded people. If all your friends do is share massively biased political links or if they work only so they can party on the weekend, you might need new companions.
Start hanging out with people who think big thoughts. Who dream big dreams. Look at your friends, and that will give you a glimpse into the way you think. Make sure those friends lead you to big thinking.
These are a few ways I’m constantly challenged to think bigger thoughts. What would you add to the list. Share in a comment below.
