It is not luck.
Posted on June 19, 2007 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.
Some people believe that success is a matter of luck – that the root cause of success is something outside of themselves – thus they spend their time looking for that one thing which will bring them riches, happiness, and success. The superstitious carry a rabbit’s foot or an amulet, believing it will bring them luck. The “religious” carry medals or images or the relic of some saint.
What does not occur to them is that they can go directly the ultimate Creator of success and happiness. But to them, “God” seems too impalpable, too shadowy and far away. His apparent isolation, His seeming detachment from their work-a-day world, makes God appear too unsubstantial to depend upon for their real needs. Instead, they want something they can see, feel and possess. Something with a substance like their own. Hence their demand for statues, pictures, shrines and relics. Hence, too, the need for Saints and Priests – intercessors nearer to God than they believe ordinary mortals can ever hope to reach.
But direct contact is always better than even the most potent intermediary.
So, instead of depending upon the stars, or a rabbit’s foot, or even the Saints, put your faith in God. You do have direct contact, anytime you choose to use it. No matter what your circumstances may be, no matter what obstacles may conspire to hold you down, look NOT merely to the means at hand, NOT to circumstances or conditions, but look to God – through whom all things are possible.
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Just to piggy-back on Ron’s thoughts, I agree that the power of our thoughts is hugely underrated. But in the past year, God has also taught me that my thoughts don’t just shape me, they shape those around me.
If we harbor negative thoughts about someone, I really believe we start searching for ammo to support that perception of him or her. Pretty soon, before we know it, that is who that person has become to us. Likewise, if we choose to rest our minds on the positive attributes or contributions of someone, that is slowly who they become…at least to us.
If we were to consistently think about people through the lens of who they were created to ultimately become, I think we can somehow (indirectly) accelerate the growth process. There’s nothing empirical about this, but based on recent experience, I have a hunch it really works.
So Ron, a little action point for ya: next time you see Levi, think of him as the cat he was always meant to be…
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COMMENT:
I’ve recently read the “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, who in essence says, “thoughts become things” I believe she’s takes this a step too far, but not much. Thoughts are powerful.
One of my struggles is when I go on vacation or a mission trip and my thought patterns change. Most of the time it’s for the better as a I slow down, serve more, tune into Christ better. Then re-entry happens and my thoughts get jarred back to where they were. I’d like to take those better thoughts and keep incorporating them even when I’m in my ‘normal’ routine.
Why can’t I think and thus behave like I would on a missions trip or vacation even when I’m in Monticello? The excuse is because I’m stuck in a pattern of thinking. There’s some truth to that, but the greater truth is that Christ can renew my thinking in Monticello in the same ways that He does when I’m on trips. I just need to let Him.
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