Inside or Outside The Box?

We have heard the term "thinking outside the box".  For a few moments I would like to think of the "box" from a Christian perspective

Thinking Inside The Box.  One who thinks inside the box is content with the way things are...they do not want change...they are not willing to take the risk of stepping out in faith...and they are unaware that they (because of their "inside the box" thinking) can drain others around them...they are content with staying within their "own little world".

Thinking Outside The Box.  These are the people that welcome change...are always looking for ways to improve themselves and draw closer to God...they are willing to take the risks of stepping out in faith if that is what they need to do...they inspire and encourage those around them with their enthusiasm...they are willing to listen to others and help others.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."  We fight a battle in our mind every day.  We have also heard the adage, "an idle mind is the devil's workshop".  And example of idleness is thinking inside the box, content with just doing nothing but taking care of "self".   When we think outside the box we apply the Word of God, and work to make a difference not only in our own lives but in the lives of those around us.  This "battle of the mind" that we fight needs special attention and equipment if we are going to be victorious.  We can not pull down the strong holds with "inside the box" thinking.  You have to have thinking that is willing to take the risks, step out in faith and be bold in the spirit.  Strong holds have many different pseudonyms such as: fear, depression, oppression, animosity, arrogance, malice, conceitedness ...I could go on and on.  With the help of God and be willing to take captive those thought patterns we CAN begin to change how we think.  We CAN purge out the "inside the box" thinking and begin thinking outside the box.  Doing ALL in the name of Jesus.  (Remember Colossians 3:17 says that "whatsoever you do in word or deed, do ALL in the name of JESUS, giving thanks to God.")

Recognizing where the changes need to be made in our thought patterns is the first step.  Once we have done that we can begin to search the scriptures and pray for the solution or fix to our "thinking problem".  Seeking the Word and God for the answers will empower us to begin practicing a "thinking outside the box" attitude.

Jesus is the ultimate example of thinking outside the box.  He poured out himself to others.  He resisted the temptations of"inside the box" thinking.  As Christians, we are to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).  This means we have to change our inside thinking to be outside thinking.  In closing of these thoughts, I'd like to include the lyrics to a song sung by Joy Williams..."Do they see Jesus in me?  Do they recognize your face?  Do I communicate your love and your grace?  Do I reflect who you are in the way I choose to be?  Do they see Jesus, Jesus in me?"