Counting Blinks, Exalting Birthmarks

Counting Blinks, Exalting Birthmarks

"The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven."

- Paradise Lost, John Milton

I knew a man once who counted his blinks.  He believed God counted too and judged for their total.   He was miserable.

I knew another man who had a birthmark he thought was the road map to utopia.  He was certain he was the new Adam.   Ironically, he wreaked havoc.

Thinking flows out from the headwaters of our beliefs.  If we’re wrong in our belief, the river of thinking is polluted.  If we’re correct or accurate in our belief, the river of thinking teems with life.  Sometimes there are chemical reasons for this mistaken sense of reality.  In those cases medical help is necessary.  More frequently it’s something distorted in our thinking and we need clarity.

I have found all of us are counting blinks or exalting birthmarks in some area.  We’ve gone downstream with the wrong ideas and are troubled or troubling others.

How we think affects how we live.  How else would one explain some sing in prison shackles while others weep in kingly robes?

So what’s a person to do?

Romans 12:2 teaches Christ’s followers are transformed into something wholly different through renewing their very minds.  Changing the way one thinks changes the way one lives.  It’s a simple but powerful truth.

Walking in the truth is liberty.  Consider Jesus’ word. He said, 

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

(John 8:32)

Prayerful examination is a good place to begin.  God’s Spirit will show where we’re counting blinks or exalting birthmarks.  Ask Him. He is called “the Wonderful Counselor.” 

We're here to help.  Sometimes talking with someone helps one get off the "merry"-go-round of the mind.  You don't have to go it alone.