Every day we face situations in life that help to shape the way we think. It is not uncommon to find ourselves unconsciously forming opinions, ideas, even allowing our thoughts and dreams to paint a picture of how we see things. Our initiatives, our inspirations; those things that stimulate and motivate us are many times founded upon the influence of our surroundings. Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." The question we have to ask ourselves is when does our thinking become more than just a part of our mental imagery? In other words, when does our natural thinking sink down on the inside to where it becomes the way we think in our hearts? If it turns out that we are who we are and what we are by how we think in our hearts, then it becomes a matter of grave importance that we carefully choose our thoughts wisely.

           None of us should be surprised to know that we are all creatures of perception, whether our view of things is true and accurate or whether it is sometimes prematurely decided based on a lack of knowledge or understanding. We all have our own way of perceiving things. As a believer, it is very important that we become observant. Most areas of deception begin with the subtlety of a wondering eye or an unbridled thought. If we are going to think accurately, then we must learn the value of how God sees things as opposed to how things appear from a natural standpoint. How many times have we assumed the way something was, and found out later it was completely different than how we first saw it? I think this is why James said, "...let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (Jam. 1:19). Paul made the profound statement, "...for we know in part, and we prophesy in part" (1 Cor. 13:9). The only thing that can help us have a more perfect view of things is having God's perspective.

           It has been said that a pessimistic person sees a half of glass of water half empty while an optimistic person sees it half full. Why do you think that is so? Are people naturally optimistic or pessimistic? Does a person's attentiveness to things or their ability to scrutinize situations as they present themselves, somehow come naturally to some folks as opposed to others? Not at all! Everything about our level of perception is developed by our spiritual landscape. The word landscape has several different meanings, but most importantly it denotes a person's point of view or their field of vision. Paul said, "Whatsoever thing are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:8). If this is the rule of your life, then I can promise you your spiritual landscape will be filled with power, promise, and potential. God knows how vital it is for you to base your perception on God's thoughts rather than the thoughts of men.

           Denis Cosgrove, a cultural geographer, defined the concept of our human landscape not in physical terms, but as an outward expression of human perception. He identified the meaning of our cultural landscape as being comprised of more than what lies before our eyes, but rather what lies behind our thinking. If we can learn to bridle our thoughts, we can determine the condition of our own personal and spiritual landscape. God wants us to live with a discerning heart, so that we can become as one who sees clearly, because we think clearly. There are far too many within the body of Christ that have begun to slip away from the importance of protecting the meditation of their heart and have given themselves over to the cares of this world. More and more I see believers becoming molded by the impression of carnal things rather than heavenly things. If you want your spiritual landscape to change, then take the time to rethink what you are thinking. Make sure the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart is acceptable before God.