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Wednesday, November 04, 2009Think Abundance
Have you wondered why you could not have abundance in your life?
I found out that it has a lot to do with our attitude. The way we think and talk.
Let me give you my example.
I used to say phrases like, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt." I also have my own version - "say what you want to say as long as you don't point a gun in my head, I'm okay."
What are these words?
These are encouraging words like, "you are a loser," "you are a failure," "you have no hope," "you destroyed your future" and so on. It encourages me massacre a colony of ants. I'm so grateful that I never heard these words from my mom.
Because of these words, I started to build insecurities and fears. Many of them originated from old remarks. Most comments did not bother me. If they do, I can easily cover it up by hiding my hurting feelings. But deep inside, I could not change the fact that those remarks about my personality or appearance or behaviour have me reeling in scepticism and vulnerability through the years. Because of the wrong feeling inside of me, I think and talk based on that feeling. That imprisoned me for several years.
Then I learned from the scriptures, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34b)
This means; if you think of scarcity, guess what? That's what you get.
If you think of abundance, then abundance is what you get.
If you think of poverty, suffering and pain, that's what you become.
If you think of happiness, joy and peace, like the genie in a bottle, your wish is my command.
We've all experienced the truth of Proverbs 12:18: "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
So, if we know the power of our words hold - for good and bad - why do we use them so carelessly? What's worse, we don't even have to wait for someone to tell us these things – we pierce our very own self with our own reckless words!
I can't do it.
It's too hard.
That's impossible.
I'm hopeless.
I'm stupid.
I'm a failure.
The result, you end up being disappointed and discouraged. Regret becomes your major pastime.
Your own words will hold you back in doing the things that you wanted to do.
Never say you can't do it, it's too hard, you're hopeless, you're stupid and a failure because you are insulting God. Why?
Because you are God's creation, created in His own image and likeness which means - you can do it, nothing is too hard, you are full of hope, you are an intelligent being and you are a champion!
Your attitude and image highly depends on what your mind focuses on. The wonderful thing about this is that you can change your focus, anytime.
So, what are you going to do?
Always use the power of positive thoughts and words. If you keep saying negative things, like a famous policeman line, "whatever you say will be used against you."
The scripture says, "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:37)
Let's put this to practice. Read the following lines...
I feel good about this.
I feel good about this.
I feel good about this.
I feel good about this.
I feel good about this.
I feel good about this.
How do you feel about this?
Did you feel good? Imagine if you always say these words every minute, every hour and every day of your life, that would make a big difference.
Or maybe, you felt good after reading it but after two seconds, you begin doubt.
You know what, I don't blame you. When I tried this, at first, I was really sceptic. But after a careful thought, what have I got to lose in doing this? Nothing, so I did it.
When I started to apply this concept, I did not see an instant change. However, just the thought of doing it made me feel good. There were no changes from the outside but inside, it felt good. Little by little, I became aware of the goodness within me (yes, I could not believe myself that I have this goodness). That awareness is constantly changing how I think, act and talk - until today.
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21)
Say only good things, think of good things. Learn to inspire others. When you inspire others, you will become like a magnet attracting blessing upon blessing.
If you start thinking about the good things, your perspective in life will change.
By the way, when you think of good things, this will not change your physical surrounding. Everything will remain the same. Do not expect your wife will suddenly look like Jessica Alba, Megan Fox and Angelina Jolie combined because you thought of it. It doesn't work that way.
It's all about perspective. It's the ability to see the good in others and to think only what is good. If you always see goodness in others, that's because you see the reflection of your own goodness in others. But if you always see the faults in others, that's because you always see your faults and see those same faults in others.
How do you change your perspective? Start with the basics.
First, be thankful. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Second, stop comparing yourself with others. If you compare yourself with others, you will become either proud or discouraged - neither of the two is from God.
Third, stop criticising others. Rather than being a critique, inspire and encourage other people.
By the way, did you know that everyone is given the ability to inspire others?
Many do not acknowledge this ability.
They ask themselves, "How can I be an inspiration to others if I myself cannot even inspire myself?"
If you start asking that question, you fail to realize what you have.
This ability to inspire others is part of the package when God created us in His own image and likeness.
Put it into action so you can realize the value of God's gift to you.
Pride is a major cause on why you do not use this gift. You become selfish and you rely on what you have. You become arrogant, self righteous and you are too conscious of what the other people think. Let go of these feelings. You have to overcome them so you can start living abundantly.
Let me end my blog with a story.
Have you heard the story of a fellow who prayed with a bad attitude?
His prayer goes like this – "Why has my brother been blessed with wealth and I with nothing? All these years I never missed a single day without saying morning and evening prayers. My church attendance is perfect. My service towards my community is impeccable. I have been leader at my church and served in many outreaches. I have always loved my neighbour and given my money to the poor. Yet now at the end of my life, I can hardly afford to pay my rent.
My brother, on the other hand, drinks and gambles and plays all the time. Yet he has more money than he can count. I don't ask to punish him, but tell me God, why has he been given so much and I have been given nothing?"
"Because," God replied, "you're such a self-righteous pain in the neck."
Guard your attitude!
Always remember this - God has gifted us with talents. He has done this to each and every one of us. If you concern with your neighbours talent, you will neglect yours. But if you concern yourself with yours, you could inspire both.
God is the greatest!
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