Default Settings

Most electronic devices have what they call “default settings.” This is set in the factory and should there be a malfunction in their internal software, you have the option of resetting them, which will in many cases fix most of the problems.

Humans do not have a simple reset capability, but they do have default thinking patterns. Some of them could be hereditary, but they are also formed by, home environment, parents, culture, faith, and other happenings in life, which be come habits. By in large this is normal and good. We wouldn’t expect it nor want it any other way. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to perform a reset to those default and learned ways of thinking which are negatively affecting our lives. Like habits, effort and consistency will be needed to effectively change the way we think.

A proof of these patterns in our minds is what we consider right and wrong, important or unimportant. It can be heard in people’s expressions of surprise, or disgust. These involuntary reactions you hear from people give you a pretty good idea of their core values on a given topic. All of us have this, our inner compass or conscience of what is essentially right or wrong. God created us this way, and when it is properly formed, it will be a helpful guide throughout life. When a person becomes a child of God, the Holy Spirit will also teach the conscience in the ways of holiness.

A good example of these inner default thinking patterns would be proper manners. Manners have been either taught by the home we grew up in, or learned as an important part of our social realm. This subconscious standard is what is socially acceptable to those around us. Parents are often responsible for teaching children these default settings in their formative years. If a child was born and had no teaching whatsoever, or no social interaction, it is doubtful that any positive default thinking pattern would be formed. Our default thinking is both taught and caught, and both positive and negative.

In their young years, children by in large mirror their parents and caretakers outlook on life. As they grow older this will change as they become influenced by their peers and friends. Already at a young age, children have those thinking patterns set. They may argue with their friends over what is the best truck, who is the best ball player, or where to get the best ice cream. Childhood thinking patterns follow is into our adult years and greatly impact the way we live our lives. By the time we are adults, childhood opinions may have changed, but the way we think of ourselves may have not.

You would think that a born-again Christian, filled with the spirit of God, would have all of that under control. However, instead those thinking patterns influence the way we live for God. One may view Him as an all loving God while others as a tyrant ready to pounce at a moments notice. Neither view is entirely correct. He is a God of love but also does not tolerate sin. These impressions may have been generated by our upbringing and experiences in life, and in themselves are not necessarily right or wrong. However, they may need to be adjusted to come to a proper view of God. If we possess a balanced view of ourselves and God, it will help us a lot in our relationship with God and others.

We should not change the good healthy beliefs, but those that hinder us in our personal relationships with God and others. This can include critical, negative, or superior thoughts. When we have a secure relationship with Christ, we are then best able to effectively change these negative, and unrealistic thoughts. The light of Christ’s love can illuminate our false beliefs and put us on the road to change.

Our thought patterns can be very illusive and deep rooted. For example: You may react involuntarily when you receive a message from someone on your phone. You may smile, and have warm feelings or you may feel stirred and uncomfortable. In some cases, your pulse may increase, as well as a instant range of emotional reactions, depending on how you feel about the other person.

Here is another example of how our subconscious affects us. You are driving down the road at speed limit when you see a patrol car. Many times, instinct will cause you to tap the brake and slow down, even if you are well within the speed limit. This is an involuntary action. All of us are prone to these moments when our instantaneous actions or reactions are out of instinct rather than rational thinking. Later we can think back and feel foolish for the way these things affected us in the moment.

In today’s world, Christian and moral values are being questioned and challenged. This can result in us examining our personal beliefs of God and His Word. Solid Biblical principles are essential if we are going to have happy families and live faithful Christian lives. There are healthy ways to challenge our thinking which will promote spiritual growth rather than destroying our faith. Those thinking patterns which relate to moral and biblical standards must remain; yet it is wrong to question our beliefs to justify ourselves or to find personal liberty.

It is the most difficult to change the way we think of ourselves. It helps if we know that God loves and accepts us, but that does not immediately change our default thinking patterns. It would be nice to press a button and our minds would change. However, that is no more possible than going back and changing our personal history.

There are many things which play a part in our thinking patterns. Of course, our personalities as well as family traits are a large contributor. Children that grow up continually being  criticized may feel like they cannot measure up. Abuse can make people feel dirty and unlovable. Insecurities can be the result of relationship problems in the home they came from. Fear and intimidation can be a result of overbearing parents and adults in children’s lives. These things affect the way people view themselves and the world around them. Some feel incompetent, ugly, or even superior, in spite of the opposite being true.  Troubled teens and unhappy people are often the result of default thinking patterns formed by unfortunate situations in life. Difficulty relating to God may also be a symptom. This is not an across-the-board rule; many people live productive happy lives who came from unfortunate circumstances.

People tend to view life through the lens of past personal experience and may misread the thoughts and actions of others. Possibly everyone has a little distorted view of reality, however, those that have an improper view of themselves, and low self-esteem are likely to take a distorted view of the world around them.

For those of us who have developed negative thinking patterns for ourselves, we have a choice to make. Very likely they have become like muddy ruts we cannot get out of, and if once out, we very easily slip back in. They are like a groove we are stuck in, and we may not fully realize how far off we are. We can remain a victim of our past, or we can decide to change. When things happen in life where our negative outlook wants to take over, we make a choice and with God’s help take a look at our reactions. How should I react? Is my reaction based on the way I think or on how God thinks of me? By asking God for help, and continuing to resist our default thinking patterns, we can in fact change them. We can become a positive person. It will take work and focusing on others rather than ourselves and our problems.

Negative thoughts about ourselves, is not pleasing to God, our creator. This includes forgiving ourselves for the mistakes we have made. There was a time that God spoke to my heart and wanted me to forgive myself. Mat 6:14-15 KJV 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. I read these verses and it became clear to me that this included myself. If I could not forgive and accept myself, with my mistakes, I stood in the way of God’s forgiveness.

It’s important to remember that God created us with our faculties, and to dishonor them is dishonoring Him. 1Co 6:19 KJV What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Superior thoughts are also not pleasing to God. We may not think we struggle with that, but a critical heart towards others could be founded in a self righteous, prideful attitude. God hates pride. A humble connection with God, should promote a balanced view of ourselves and others. Pro 6:16-17 KJV 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

There is a verse that comes to me which may be a little out of context to use it here, but brings out a good point. 2Co 8:12 KJV For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. A willing mind is essential for change to take place. By taking our eyes off ourselves and placing them on Jesus and those around us, we are off to a good start. It will not be easy, we may not completely get over our default nature, but that is where the beauty of the Lord shines forth. Under His care we can grow into what He has designed us to be, and find happiness in serving Him and others. 2Co 10:4-5 KJV 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 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;

I am not an authority on this topic, so I am simply offering this writing as thoughts to consider. This writing is not a level to attain, but one to strive for. If you are struggling with depression and emotional challenges, it may seem impossible to control your thoughts. God understands this, and will help you, together with proper therapy if needed. He would like to set us free from the bondage of ourselves and negative thinking. May we all come to Him for healing and peace.

Phi 3:12-15 KJV 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Pro 23:7 KJV For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.