Thinking How God Thinks

Snipe hunting

When I was a young boy, my older brother, David, told me about a little bird called a snipe. He described it as colorful, friendly, easy to tame, and a wonderful pet. He claimed that it was easy to catch down by the river with a little help from someone who could flush them out for me. All I needed to do was stand on the trail at night, holding a flashlight and an open paper bag, and I would easily catch one. I believed his exciting story wholeheartedly and couldn’t wait to go after the snipes!

That night, he and his friends took me to the river with a flashlight and a paper bag. They told me to wait while they went to flush the birds out. So I waited—and waited. Eventually, I realized they had left. The funny part is that when I finally went home, I was still unaware of the prank and wanted them to take me back to try again. When they finally revealed it was a joke, I didn’t believe them at first. I really wanted to believe in the snipe.

Changing the way you think

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (Phil. 2:5 ESV)

Strongly believing something, only to change your mind after receiving new information, is a common part of growing up. Exposure to new information constantly shapes our thinking. However, if you’ve already formed a strong opinion on a topic—like I did with snipes or like many do with politics, sports, or religion—you may resist changing your mind, even when presented with compelling evidence. As the saying goes, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Many people fall into this pattern, which is why they remain stuck and fail to grow. Our thoughts ultimately reflect who we truly are.

“As a man thinks in his heart, so he is” (Prov. 23:7)

What to do

Therefore, in order to get unstuck and move forward, growth begins with a willingness to change and a plan to transform your thinking. The Bible has a lot to say on the topic.

• Renew your mind

Read and study the Bible daily to change your thinking from the world’s way of thinking to God’s way.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV) 

• Study the Bible daily

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV)

• Take every thought captive

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Cor. 10:5 ESV)

• Set your minds on things that are above 

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Col. 3:2 ESV)

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 4:8 ESV)

Therefore

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Prov. 4:23 ESV)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

Quote:

“The Mind can think only one thought at a time. If your mind is occupied by a meaningless thought, you block a meaningful thought from entering it.” - Unknown