"Stinkin' Thinkin'": Life Lessons from the Solbergs

I call it Stinkin’ Thinkin’ when it happens with our kids. That term means that what you are thinking is not true—you have been deceived into believing a lie. And it not only happens to our kids—but to grown-ups as well!

I (Glen) was meeting with my accountability partner, Dave, at FamilyLife. We were reviewing things that had happened over the past week and sharing how we could pray for each other as the next week began. I was lamenting (no, really complaining about) the fact that I had to take some upcoming theology courses at FamilyLife and I just “didn’t have time to fit that into my busy schedule”. Dave listened as I talked. Then he prayed...

“Lord, help us to remember that taking these classes is a privilege and not a burden” . As he spoke those words, the Spirit of God convicted me of my sin. I have the privilege of taking theological classes at FamilyLife—learning about God’s Word and growing in my relationship with Him. And somehow I was viewing that as a burden. Now that is some real stinkin’ thinkin’!!

But as I thought about my life in a broader sense, I realized there were many things I was doing on a day-to-day basis that I was frequently looking at as a burden. How many times have I viewed my “kids” as a burden instead of the great gift that they are? How many times have I viewed my times in prayer or Bible Study as a burden? I was able to repent of those attitudes and ask the Lord to show me what a great privilege each of them is.

And now, I’ll turn the question to you: What are you viewing in your life this day as a burden when it really is a God-given privilege? I encourage you to think honestly about that and then honestly confess to the Lord- remembering the promise of 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”. Thank You, Lord, for the many privileges you give me in this life. Please renew my mind with Your Word so I will have “Right Thinkin”!!