Mirror, Mirror: Stinkin' Thinkin' TM

Rather: think about what is noble, right, and pure.
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When I was about 7 years old, I remember being in the bathroom at school and feeling very sad. I recall looking in the mirror and saying, "No one loves me; no one except Jesus." I felt very alone.

I don't remember why I felt so sad. Maybe my parents had been arguing, or maybe I was in trouble. What I told myself was half-true. I  was right that Jesus loved me! But I was wrong in thinking no one loved me; my mom and dad did love me. 

That sad day happened over 50 years ago, but I still remember it. This is why I'm telling it to you. Most of us know it is wrong to say mean things to others, but it is also wrong to say mean things to ourselves! Many difficult and hurtful things will happen in our lives that will make us sad. It is important to be mindful of how we think and what we say to ourselves about them. And if we've done something wrong, God tells us to admit it and ask for forgiveness, from him and from those we've offended. 

Watch out for stinkin' thinkin'! The Bible says, "Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life" Proverbs 4:23 (ERV). My sad thought controlled my life that day, and it wasn't even true! The mirror reflected a lie. But even if it were true, that no one loved me except Jesus, then at least the most important person in the universe did love me! 

The Bible says, "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life" John 3:16 (NIRV).

God has a plan for his children. We must live our lives thinking about the truths of God: that he will never leave us, he loves and cares for us no matter what is happening, he'll never turn away those who come to him (John 6:37). We must be careful how we spend our time and where we focus our thoughts. When we do this, our lives will reflect a deeper sense of joy and purpose. 

Think On This

". . . always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right, and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things" Philippians 4:8 (NIRV).

The next time you have some stinkin' thinkin'' going on, and you're tempted to tell yourself hurtful things, DON'T DO IT, be kind to yourself! Instead, think on the Philippians 4:8 Bible verse, repeat it and remind yourself that you are loved by God.

Discussion Questions
* Have you ever felt like no one loves you? 
* What hurtful things have you told yourself?
* (For someone who is older) What encouragement could you say to your younger self? 

Copyright 2018 Sarah A Keith

Photograph credit: Min An @pexels.com

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If you like this lesson, then check out the Beatitudes lessons for Kids!

or the Be-Attitudes lessons for Adults
  

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