EP 202 – MINDFULNESS, NEGATIVITY AND REPLANTING
Greetings Bootcampers, we hope you are staying cool, hydrated and ready for a next episode. This time the guys take up the subject of dispensing with negative thoughts. We get it, there are a lot of things that can go wrong as you are leading church renewal. And one of the most difficult aspects of leadership is keeping a positive outlook.
Let’s ground this in scripture: 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 1 Corinthians 10:3-6
Mindfulness is a research-based practice that involves both dedicated meditation time and present-moment awareness in everyday life. It’s been shown to be helpful for reducing stress, calming anxiety, and improving overall mental and physical wellness.
However, most modern mindfulness research comes from a secular point of view. So our faith in Christ can both enrich and deepen our use of mindfulness. Also, learning to live mindfully will give us more peace, joy, and gratitude in our walk with God.[1]
Here are some suggestions from the guys for keeping your mind centered on God and healthy:
12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[d]
- Regularly present yourself before the Lord – living sacrifice (devotional time, meditation time)
- Perform a spiritual audit – “do not be conformed to this world.”
-
- What are my concerns, worries, anxieties?
- What is driving me right now?
- What is underneath my frustration?
- Apply the scripture to the things that God reveals.
- Pride
- Worry
- Bitterness
- Doubt
- Test your attitudes and actions by the truth of God’s word
[1] https://www.calminggrace.com/christian-mindfulness-exercises/
Recommended Resource: The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder
Fun Link: Poor Pitiful Me by Linda Rondstadt
Well Bootcampers, we love our sponsor, One Eighty Digital. We recommend you connect with them to get the inside scoop about revamping your website, digital branding and online presence. Tell them you are a Bootcamper.