Why Do We Act The Way We Do?
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
Thoughts, words, choices, experiences, influences, and actions all play a part in who we become. Thought patterns direct us. What we expose ourselves to shapes how we think. If we expose ourselves to God’s Word, then it begins to shape how we think and view things, giving us a godly world view and attitude. If we expose ourselves to worldly shows, books, people, music and other worldly influences, our thinking becomes based on the world’s system and way of doing things.
Our thoughts affect our choices, whether right or wrong. This then shapes who we become and what we do as we live out our lives. Our behavior is impacted and habits are formed. This produces our character, personality, and who we become as individuals and members of society.
We act the way we act because it is who we have become. We act the way we’ve been influenced to act, whether good or bad, right or wrong, more in the light or in the darkness. If we don’t like who we are, we can change.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Change starts with being born-again. We become brand new creatures. The old person is dead and we are made new in our spirits. Change always works from the inside- out.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 (KJV)
We continue to change by renewing our minds to the Word of God. Whatever we expose ourselves to on a repetitive basis will shape our thinking and how we act. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are transformed. Renew your thoughts to be made new.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22 (KJV)
Lasting change comes when we do the Word. Acting on the Word shows our thinking has changed. We are known by the fruit we produce. A good root will produce good fruit. When we are changed by the Spirit of God and the Word of God, our fruit reflects it.
