Sunday Reflection: Higher Thinking

 

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither.” C.S. Lewis

One of my jobs as a school based social worker is to work with the homeless youth. So often I tell them things that I probably told my own children growing up. First, I will say to the students, “I am here to help you.” and “You matter to me.” I tell them other things, too, like:

“Your life will be better if you graduate high school than if you do not.”

“If you don’t treat yourself with respect, others won’t either.”

“This time in your life is a tiny portion, but incredibly important. It  might even determine where you end up in life.”

Sometimes higher thinking is not what they are entertaining.

I also tell the students I have a plan for them and I want it to be their plan, too: stay in school, attend school, pass their classes, graduate high school and think carefully on what they want to do after high school. I want them to succeed in life.

God is like that too. He has a plan for His children that include higher thinking and living.

“ ‘ For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Higher thinking takes us beyond the momentary pleasures and the feel good moments. It’s like healthy living for the spirit where we find peace.

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

 

We deserve it—higher thinking.

Have a wonderful day, my friends!

Teresa

 

Sources: biblegateway.com and brainyquotes.com