MENTAL HINDRANCES
Hindrance #1: Corrupt Thinking
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 tells us that even a believer can be corrupt in his thinking. The way we
think is critical to the quality and success of our lives as Christians. It is possible to be a
sincere Christian but to be locked into a system of corrupt thinking, which the Bible calls
having a "carnal" mind.
There are 5 primary characteristics of corrupt thinking that believers need to assess in
their lives:
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Corrupt thinking are thoughts with the influence of Christian principles and
standards.
Corrupt thinking are thoughts controlled by the hearsay, myths, and opinions of the
uninformed.
Corrupt thinking are the negative, self-condemning thoughts we brought into our
new Christian lives from our old lives.
Corrupt thinking are a reflection of flawed core beliefs.
Corrupt thinking are thoughts that waver and are unstable.
Hindrance #2: Conditioned Thinking
Conditioned thinking control the way you think and what you believe. Conditioned thinking
manifest themselves in:
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societal standards that say this is what you must be, look like, or do in order to get
ahead in life. As a result, we spend our time trying to transform ourselves into what
society says we should be.
statistical standards that measure our lives but are, in truth, only a limit on our
potential.
stereotypical standards that cause us to believe certain things about ourselves
because of the prejudiced appraisal of people from other racial, ethnic, and
economic groups.
Hindrance #3: Cluttered Thinking
Mental clutter is the product of disorganization and being overwhelmed. Those who lack a
systematic way of thinking and processing situations easily fall prey to cluttered and
overwhelmed thinking. Cluttered thinking:
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cause an inability to focus. Your thinking becomes disjointed and disorganized
because you have too many things going on inside your head.
cause improper analysis of the situation. Your mind is like a file cabinet. If it is not
properly organized, you will never be able to access the information you need when
you need it.
cause a sense of self-doubt. The average person is cluttered in his thinking
because he has not learned how to organize his mental file cabinet.
Overcoming Mental Hindrances
1.
Correct Thinking
The first way to overcome mental strongholds is through correct thinking. To think correctly
as a believer, we must be willing to judge everything by the Word. John 17:17, "Sanctify
them through thy truth; thy word is truth." Correct Thinking is free from the corruption of
myths, misinformation, and suspect motives.
2.
Concrete Thinking
Concrete thinking means being realistic about what you see. Faith does not put you in
denial. Being in faith does not mean ignoring what you see in the natural world. Rather,
faith allows you to deal with what you see in your natural circumstances from a spiritual
vantage point.
7 Characteristics of Proven Winners:
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Vision - Winners are visionaries. They possess the ability to see the future, the big
picture.
Realism - Winners are realistic. They honestly evaluate themselves with others,
and they accurately assess the resources available to them.
Courage - Winners are courageous. They possess the inner strength to initiate
action and take bold steps without guarantees.
Responsibility - Winners are responsible. They accept the fact that they are where
they are because of their choices. They believe that only their decisions and
choices can improve things.
Learning - Winners are learners. They are committed to acquiring the knowledge
required to succeed.
Thinker - Winners are thinkers. They possess the ability to gather and analyze
information efficiently for accurate decision making.
Innovator - Winners are innovative. They are highly flexible, and they change their
approach to situations whenever new information dictates a change so that
problems can be solved and resources can be maximized.
12 Advantageous Uses of Our Words:
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Our words bring satisfaction. Proverbs 12:14, "A man shall be satisfied with good by
the fruit of his mouth; and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto
him."
Our words bring prosperity. Proverbs 10:21, "The lips of the righteous feed many;
but fools die for want of wisdom."
Our words have an impact on others. Proverbs 18:20, "A man's belly shall be
satisfied with the fruit of his mouth and with the increase of his lips shall he be
filled."
Our words can bring us health. Proverbs 12:18, "There is that speaketh like the
piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health."
Our words can be used to lift others. Proverbs 12:25, "Heaviness in the heart of
man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad."
Our words can bring peace in times of conflict. Proverbs 15:1, "A soft answer
turneth away wrath; but grievous word stir up anger."
Through our words we can teach others. Proverbs 10:31, "The mouth of the just
bringeth forth wisdom; but the froward tongue shall be cut out."
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Our words can inspire hope in the hopeless. Proverbs 15:4, "A wholesome tongue
is a tree of life but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”
Our words can bring joy into many situations. Proverbs 15:12, "A scorner loveth not
one that reproveth him; neither will he go unto the wise."
Our words can influence decision-makers. Proverbs 22:11, "He that loveth pureness
of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend."
Our words can make us desirable. Psalms 45:2, "You are fairer than the sons of
men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.”
Our words are the key to our quality of life. Proverbs 18:2, "A fool hath no delight in
understanding, but that his heart may discover itself."