Get rid of Stinkin' Thinkin'

A fowl odor emanated throughout our kitchen. Like a sleuth, I investigated the area trying to ascertain the origin of the smell. It seemed to derive from our pantry.

What is that smell? And where is it coming from? I quickly surveyed the contents of our pantry. At first glance, nothing seemed out of place...

I knew the aroma...but couldn't place the culprit, thus a deeper investigation, a more thorough search, was required...

I began pulling items out from underneath the bottom shelf...ahhhh there it is. How could such a small, single, decaying potato cause such a stink. I quickly disposed its remains in the outside trash...

Sometimes things that seem so small can cause a huge stink...Unpleasant memories... Unfruitful thoughts... Unforgiveness...

At first, things that seem harmless or insignificant can go unnoticed...unchecked motives can slip behind unsuspecting areas of our life...and over time their lasting remains can really "stink up" our lives.

Today, I sensed the Holy Spirit saying its time for a deeper investigation of my thought life. Are there any areas I've allowed "stinking thinking" to corrupt my life? Do I assert my rights? Am I easily offended?

Proverbs 23:7 alludes, as a man thinketh, so he is.

Friend, a principle I've come to embrace is you get what you're looking for. You reap what you sow. If I plant corn...I'm not going to cultivate tomatoes...I'll reap corn. The same principle applies in our marriages, ministries, and life.

So, how about it? Any areas of your pantry needing cleaned out? If so, will you join me in this call to action? It's pretty simple on the surface...but embracing its practicalities will prove powerful.

Pay attention to your thoughts today! And, ask yourself:

• Does this thought honor God?
• Does this way of thinking believe the best about the person I'm thinking about?
• Does this mindset produce life or death?
• Where does this rational originate from? God? The enemy?
• What will this kind of thinking produce? Is it life giving? Will it result in joy or fear?

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 encourages us with this truth and call to action: "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (NIV)

God has incredible plans for your life. Don't let stinking thinking rob you of the joy He's prepared for you!