Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Distorted Thinking - Pt 3

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that..." (Romans 12.2 NASB bold mine)

The BrainWe are currently in a 5-week series of issues regarding 15 types of distorted thinking*. We will take 3 types per issue. As indicated last week, I encourage you to pray first, then read the description of each type, asking God to search your being.

Review Part 1

Review Part 2

Now, see if any of the following 3 types of distorted thinking are getting in the way of your serving strong...

Control Fallacies. A person who has control fallacies will distort their sense of control and power in one of two ways: a) if they feel externally controlled, they will see themselves as a victim of fate, helpless; b) if they feel internal control, the fallacy is they feel responsible for the pain and happiness of everyone around them. The former keeps them stuck. The latter leaves them exhausted.  Do you have a control fallacy?

Fallacy of Fairness.  Fairness is so conveniently defined, so easily self-serving, that each person gets locked into their own point of view. The person with the fallacy of fairness feels resentful because they think they know what's fair but others won't agree with them. They make assumptions about how things would change if people were only fair or really valued them.  Do you have a fallacy of fairness?

Blaming. The blamer holds other people responsible for their (the blamer's) pain. This involves making someone else responsible for choices and decisions that are actually the blamer's responsibility. In the blame game, the blamer denies their right and responsibility to assert their needs, say no, or go elsewhere for what they want.  Are you a blamer?

Can you identify with any of these types of distorted thoughts? If so, lay your mind before the throne of an Almighty God who wants so desperately to work with you and restore you to health. If you need professional help, seek it. There is no shame in journeying to wholeness with the help of others. 

Stay tuned. Next week we'll continue with "Shoulds", "Emotional Reasoning", and "Fallacy of Change". Stay strong this week!

No comments: