Think About These Things

In review of Hebrews 12:3 it says, “Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.”

Bottom Line:

Jesus provides us with his great and patient example, he endured and put up with many insults from sinful people, so do not let yourself become discouraged and give up.

What this means to me:

When I find myself at odds with others and life, instead of becoming discouraged or giving up, I should look to the example that Jesus provided me. He endured and put up with many insults from sinful people.

For my own mental health, it is best for me to focus my mind on the right things, like thinking about Jesus. Ultimately, I will become what I think about. So If I want to become more like Jesus, I’ll need to fill my thoughts with him. Hebrews 12:3 says, “Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying” (NCV).

I should also think about others. The Bible says in Philippians 2:4, “Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing” (TLB). This is a very counter cultural notion, as everything in the world teaches me to think about myself and nobody else. But Jesus himself was counter-cultural, and when I think about him and what was important to him, I can more easily think of others.

Also, I should spend time thinking about eternity. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT). If I can start focusing on truths like these, all of my problems are going to seem inferior compared to the glory, the joy, and the pleasure of the things I have to look forward to in eternity.

My mind is my greatest asset and also the greatest battleground. I should ask God to help me in making the choice every day to feed on His Word, to free my mind of destructive thoughts, and fill my mind with Jesus, others, and eternity. If I do this, then I’ll have easier victories over the battles within my mind.

In order to practice Philippians 2:4, I need to think about what I can do to help others, especially with their good and worthwhile goals. Jesus first concern was always others. So trying to think more like him will help me with being concerned about others. Often I let the things of the day distract me and my focus. I need to take time periodically to really think about what it will be like when Jesus brings into eternal life with him.  This in itself will bring joy and help me to realize that the best use of my time will be for things that make a long and lasting impact.