Using the Unhelpful Thinking Styles in Using the Faith Principle and Identifying Lies

Using the Unhelpful Thinking Styles in Using the Faith Principle and Identifying Lies

We are commanded to take an active role in our thought life. We are not to believe everything we think. Scripture tells us in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)

The Faith Principle Worksheet demonstrates how important it is to evaluate our thoughts, feelings and habits in light of the Truth of God’s Word. The Unhelpful Thinking Styles and Rumination handouts can be used to help you and those that you are working with recognize lies and false beliefs.

Ex: “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why would God allow this?” can be reframed as “What is God trying to teach me right now?” or “How can I trust God in this?” or “What part of this do I have influence over and can change?” or “How can God use this part of my life?”

You can run a belief that you are struggling with through the “Unhelpful Thinking Styles”test.

Examples:

Emotional Reasoning: “I feel like God is far away and not listening to me, so that must be true.”

Should and Must Reasoning: “I should already know how to do this, so I can’t go to God for help.”

Jumping to Conclusion Reasoning: “God won’t answer this prayer, or help me this time.” “This is not something that is important to God.”

If you find yourself or hear a woman that you are serving use any of these unhelpful thinking styles, it is a perfect time to apply the faith principle to these areas of life and watch God’s truth transform and renew your mind.