The Word shapes thinking

Words shape how we think.  Languages have distinct approaches to time, space, and matter, based on their unique grammatical structures and vocabularies.  For example, there is a language that has no numbers and instead uses very specific terms for smaller and larger, such that speakers are precise observers of objects.  Another has no terms for left or right and instead uses points of the compass, so speakers are always thinking about their geographic orientation.

We have been given The Word of God, a distinct Language which has been translated into two original languages, Hebrew and common Greek, and then retranslated for us today.  God has a distinct Approach to time and eternity, space and heaven, and matter and spirit, based on His unique Way of communicating His Word to us in The Holy Spirit.  For example, though God speaks to us in space and time, He invites us to Himself Who is timeless and limitless, thereby changing our perspective on the very nature of Reality.  He communicates with us while we are held in bondage in a realm dying due to sin, but transfers us to a Kingdom forever living in His Righteousness and Peace, helping us to think of a Holy Hope which will not disappoint us.

For human language to shape our thinking, it must be heard and spoken.  For God's Word to shape our minds, it must be read and practiced.  Without regular engagement with God's Word, our minds continue to be darkened like the rest of humanity. (Ephesians 4:18)  As we hear, read, and speak it, we become transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we can apprehend and approve God's Good, Pleasing, and Perfect Will (Romans 12:2).

A prayer puts it this way: "Blessed Lord, Who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the Blessed Hope of Everlasting Life which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ".

So let's take every opportunity to allow The Word to shape our thinking, believing, and acting.