Christian, You are a Thinker, so Think Well!

2 Tim. 2:7 says, “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in all.”

Paul calls Timothy to be an active thinker, and gives him hope in his thinking, by saying God will be an active giver of insight. In a time when the Christian community is set against most things cerebral or intellectual, we need to hear Paul’s word to Timothy here.  I think people do not like thinking about “thinking” is because they feel it is egotistical, arrogant, or unspiritual to think deeply about God and His Word.

Many people feel that thinking would take faith out of a heart centered child-likeness by bringing it into the realm of the mind.  But we should remember, our faith should be child-like, not child-ish.  It is child-ish to think that “thinking” is taking faith out of the heart and into the mind.  It is mature (and child-like) to think that “thinking” should involve both the heart and the mind.  After all, is not God in the business of “renewing the mind” (Romans 12:2)?  There is a danger in becoming those who worship “thinking” more than God, or those who admire ourselves as being “thinkers” more than admiring God; but just because this possiblity exists does not mean that we ought to stay away from “thinking”.  In fact, no one can stay away from it.  Even in “thinking” on these things, do you not see that “thinking” is a necessary for it?  Even when people make objections against “thinking”, they think!  No matter what, you cannot escape thinking!  Therefore, because all people think, Christians ought to be those who “think” well, and those who “think” to the glory of God.

How do we do this?  Listen to the Bible further on this:

“Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.” (1 Cor. 14:20)

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, cutting straight the Word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15)

“Come let us reason together.” (Isaiah 1:18)

“Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:66)

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your MIND, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)

Therefore, do not be Christians who settle for fit bodies and fat minds, exercise your “thinking” and “think” well to the glory of God.