I often teach about installing filters in our minds to govern what comes out our mouths. Whether at work or in our personal lives, there are times when we need to filter our thoughts before they become words. This may sound simple; however it requires discipline and a lot of practice. In this two-step process we need to capture every thought, and we need to choose our words carefully.
Capture every thought
A study performed in 2020 showed that an average person has about 6,000 thoughts per day (out of 184 participants with the average age of 29.4). Of course, you and I may never know if that’s true, but some days that probably feels about right! Regardless of how many thoughts we have, we need to discern which thoughts to share and which to dismiss. Paul provides a ruler for us to measure our thoughts against in Philippians 4:8 – “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.” Through this filter we can embrace beneficial thoughts allowing them to take root and flourish or dismiss negative thoughts that can damage and destroy.
Choose our words
One of the best disciplines I ever put into practice is NOT saying everything that comes into my mind! More often than not, it is also okay to refrain from saying everything you know about an issue. I’m not saying we should withhold when wisdom is needed, I’m suggesting we may not be the authority on the matter and sometimes just need to stop talking. But when we do decide to share what’s on our mind, there are a few sub-filters we can run our thoughts through. Before you speak, THINK about what you’re going to say:
- Is it True?
- Is it Helpful?
- Is it Inspiring?
- Is it Necessary?
- Is it Kind?
Even difficult information can be received well if it’s delivered with grace and compassion! Filtering our thoughts before they become words will allow them to encourage and build up the listener instead of breaking them down and leaving them defeated. Who knows, the encouragement we share may just speak to our hearts as well!
Be blessed,
Jennifer
“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.” 2 Corinthians 10:5