The Scripture for today is Proverbs 23:7
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”
In 1972, a psychologist named Daryl Ben, identified a theory he called the “Self-Perception Theory.” The individuals in his test group would do well or mess up and keep telling themselves that they are just that way; that is just who they are. They might say, “I’m a good student, or I’m just a poor test taker, I’m just an idiot, I’m a failure or I am a terrible cook.” Soon, this self-identity became a reality in their lives.
If I had been involved in that study, I would not have called it the “Self-Perception Theory.” I would have called it “The Law of Proverbs 23:7.” Psychologists have theories. God has statements of fact, rules and laws.
When Israel left Egypt, they came to the Promised Land, but wanted to make sure they could win any battle. They sent spies to check out the land. After 40 days, they returned with their report. “But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” They explained why, “We even saw the people of the land. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” (Numbers 13: verses 31 and 33.)
The amazing part of this story is that God had already given them the land. Because they felt in their hearts that they couldn’t take it, it cost them 40 more years of wandering.
Indeed, as you think within your heart, so are you.
I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.