Think right, talk right, walk right

Every year, our senior pastor, Bishop Darlingston Johnson, inspired by the Holy Spirit, makes a declaration for the year. This year, he declared it our year of Life Abundant. If we want to experience it, we will have to live accordingly and use all the benefits we can gain from it. Life is conditioned by internal and external circumstances. You may not have control over external circumstances, but you have the ability to control your reactions and your responses to them. This is a key aspect of emotional intelligence and resilience.

For example:

• Are you receiving unexpected criticism at work? Instead of reacting defensively, controlling your reaction might involve pausing, considering the feedback objectively, and responding in a composed and constructive manner to address concerns.
• Are you encountering a difficult person in a social setting? Instead of responding with frustration or irritation, controlling your reaction involves staying calm, practicing patience, and choosing to engage in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Are you dealing with a challenging situation at home? Instead of reacting impulsively, controlling your response might involve thoughtful communication, seeking compromise, and working collaboratively to find solutions with family members.
• Are you dealing with a rebellious child, it’s crucial to stay calm and avoid reacting emotionally. Establish clear and consistent boundaries, communicate openly, and actively listen to understand their perspective. Encouraging positive behavior through praise and setting reasonable consequences can also be effective in guiding them.
• Are you dealing with a difficult manager, it’s important to remain composed. Focus on effective communication, express concerns calmly, and seek solutions collaboratively. Choose your battles wisely, stay professional, and consider seeking guidance from HR if necessary. Maintaining a positive and proactive approach can contribute to a more constructive work relationship.
• Are you faced with disrespect, insults, or name-calling, it’s important to prioritize your well-being. Stay calm and composed, avoid escalating the situation, and set clear boundaries. You can assertively express your feelings, but refrain from responding with aggression. If the behavior persists, consider disengaging from the conversation or seeking support from relevant authorities or individuals. Self-respect is key in handling such situations.
• In moments of humiliation, focus on maintaining composure. Take a deep breath, remind yourself of your worth, and resist the urge to retaliate impulsively. Consider addressing the issue calmly or seeking support from trusted friends or colleagues. It’s essential to prioritize your emotional well-being and respond in a way that aligns with your values and self-respect.
• Are you dealing with bad news, like a loss, a divorce, loss of a job ? Allow yourself to feel the emotions, but also give yourself time to process. Reach out to a support system, express your feelings, and consider seeking professional help if needed. Focus on self-care, and remember that it’s okay to grieve and take things one step at a time.

You cannot control the external circumstances that happen to you: losing a job, losing a loved one, being insulted, disrespected, violated, abused… but one thing you have power over is your response. Your life must reflect the life of Christ at all times. Think right, talk right, and walk right is a statement that encourages us to align our thoughts, speech, and actions in a positive and virtuous manner.

One day, our senior pastor preached a message about our thoughts and reminded us that our thoughts determine our talk and will determine our walk. The grand battle we have in life is the battle with our thoughts. The Bible teaches us through many scriptures how to think right, talk right, and walk right for life abundant. Let’s look at some scriptures.
Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” – ‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
Submitting our thoughts to Christ more often will allow us to win more battles in this earth, and remain focused with a sound mind. Whenever challenges come be it in the workplace, at home or in a public setting we are grounded in the word, and unmovable because we are built on the rock.
⁃ “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them” – Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Life is about making choices; life abundant is a better choice found in Christ – Jesus. It was never based on circumstances.
What you choose to see determines your reality. You have the power to change your reality by shifting your focus.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.” – ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭34‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” – ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.” – ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Life abundant is the assurance of victory over the circumstances of life. You will be exemplary, a role model in front of challenges.

Thinking right often involves critical thinking, empathy, open-mindedness, and a consideration of various perspectives. It’s about making informed and ethical decisions, being aware of biases, and continuously learning and adapting not because you are strong but because of JESUS, the one who lives inside of you.