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“Do not be conformed to this world, 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.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

There are many aspects about summer that I love – one of those is being outdoors more.  I mean is it really summer without a cookout on the weekends?  But as much as I love enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends, there is one thing that can put a damper on it – ants.

Ants have a knack for finding the food – any sugary substance left around will attract them.  And where there’s one, there’s dozens more.  Individually they seem small, insignificant. But ants work as a team using their combined strength to move things around.

In the mental health field, ANTS is the acronym for Automatic Negative Thoughts. Much like ants at a picnic they infest your mind and spirit and ruin your day.

When positive thoughts are generated, when you’re feeling happy or optimistic, cortisol decreases.  The brain produces serotonin.  A person typically feels calmer, less anxious and more emotionally stable when serotonin levels are normal.

The biggest battleground we face as humans is within our mind. Paul was trying to teach the importance of this concept to the church in Rome.

We cannot live by how we feel.  Negativity and cultural influence will try to conform us to ungodliness.

You don’t have to believe every thought that goes through your head.  Our thoughts do not always tell us the truth – sometimes they lie!

Much like ants at a cookout so are the ANTS in our mind. When one negative thought pops up, dozens more follow. While Satan is not all knowing, he is observant.  Our adversary has been watching us for years.  He knows our vulnerabilities, and insecurities. He knows our past hurts.  He uses it all to work together influencing our thoughts (like the ants at the cookout) to carry you away in emotions.

The best way to get rid of ants–is to remove the source that is feeding them.

When you focus on the truth of God’s Word instead of your feelings about the ANT running through your mind – you take away their power over you.  That’s how you renew your mind.

As Christians we must think differently, if we’re going to reach others for the Kingdom of God.

You can be saved and assured of eternity in heaven. But if you don’t transform your thinking away from automatic negative thoughts of your past/culture you will not live a life that will influence others for the gospel.

There will always be bad days, even for Christians.  But a person who is constantly renewing their mind – will not stay stuck in negativity.

“Father, teach us Lord to value your truth more than we value our thoughts and feelings. Help us to renew our minds daily.”

For His Glory,

Laura Holmes (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life