Who Molds Your Thinking? - JEHOVAH'S THINKING IS BENEFICIAL AND DESIRABLE

Some people resist the idea of having anyone mold or influence their thoughts.  "I think for myself," they say.  They probably mean that they make their own decisions and that it is proper to do so. They do not wish to be controlled, nor do they want to surrender their individuality.

We can be assured, however, that bringing our thinking into harmony with Jehovah's does not mean giving up all individual thought or expression. As we stated at 2 Corinthians 3:17,  "where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom."  We are free to develop our own distinct personalities.  We can have our personal preferences ad choose of fields of interest. Indeed, Jehovah designed us to do so. However, we cannot  use our freedom without restraint. (Read 1 Peter 2:16.) When it comes to issues of right and wrong, Jehovah wants us to be guided by his thinking as revealed in his Word. Is this overly restrictive, or is it beneficial? 

Consider an illustration. Parents endeavor to instill in their children good values.  They may teach them to be honest, industrious, and considerate of others.  This is not overly restrictive.  Rather, the parents are preparing them for a successful life as independent adults.  When the children grow up  and leave home, they will be free to make their own choices. If they chose to live within the values that they learned from their parents, they will be more likely to make decisions that they will not later regret.  As a result, they will be free from many self-induced troubles and anxieties. 

Like a good parent, Jehovah wants his children to have the most fulfilling life possible.  (Isaiah 48:17, 18)  He therefore provides basic principles for moral conduct and for behavior toward others.  In such matters he invites us to cultivate his way of thinking and to share his values.  Far from constraining us, this enhances, elevates, and expands our thinking ability. (Psalm 92:5; Proverbs 2:1-5; Isaiah 55:9)  It helps us make choices that lead to happiness while still allowing us to blossom as individuals.  (Psalm 1:2, 3) Yes, thinking like Jehovah is beneficial and desirable!  

Next time: Who Molds Your Thinking? - JEHOVAH'S THINKING IS SUPERIOR

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