Life Reconstruction Building Bombproof Self worth . . . one thought at a time

1. Life ReconstructionBuilding Bombproof Self worth . . . one thought at a time

2. Life ReconstructionOne Thought at a Time • “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 • “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 • “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 • “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

3. Life ReconstructionOne Thought at a Time • Everything you do, every decision you make, all your feelings, in fact, who you are begins as a thought! • And then he (Jesus) added, "It is the thought-life that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God.” Mark 7:20-23 NLT • You’re not who you think you are, you are what you think. • For as he thinks within himself, so he is. Proverbs 23:7 NASB

4. Life ReconstructionOne Thought at a Time • You think one conscious thought at a time. You can control one thought. • Begin to pay attention to what you are thinking. (Studies from Cognitive therapy give insight into destructive thoughts.) • Use the standard of God’s word to judge their content and intention. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) • Critically analyze the content of each suspect thought. • Reject damaging thoughts, especially pleasant ones! Replace with the truth of God’s Word.

5. The Renewed Mind Series • 5/7 Introduction • 5/21 Overcoming worry and fear • 6/18 Overcoming anger and bitterness • 6/25 Developing moral purity • 7/9 Overcoming depression • 7/16 Developing healthy self worth

6. How to destroy your self worth. Conscious self image: I’m an ok person, a little above average. Not too bad. Not super good. accusations! I made a mistake (B ) A C Oh, #@#&* I’m a failure stimulus perception empty D I am such a loser. I’m always messing up. Love Worth Security Significance Thoughts, cognitive distortions Subconscious self image: A clutz who never gets it right, a loser. Inadequate. Don’t measure up. D Previous mistakes and fallout. mind movies issue E Dejected, distraught, hopeless • Source: • Parents • Peers, others • Performance • Comparison • Philosophy feelings stronghold F Behavior, talk

7. Behavior: regarding approval Physical appearance Physical performance Wit, Charm, humor Accomplishments Withdraw, avoid Self assured Capable Competent Cool Try to project: I’m an OK person, a little above average. Not too bad. Not super good. Conscious self image: A clutz who never gets it right, a loser. Inadequate. Don’t measure up. Subconscious self image: Your Interpretation I’m worthless • Parents • Peers, others • Performance • Comparison • Philosophy Source: Divorce Angry at you Demeaning Cussing you

8. King Saul • Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” 1 Samuel 9:21 • Samuel said, "Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. And he sent you on a mission, 1 Samuel 15:17-18 • Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I violated the LORD's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. 1 Samuel 15:24-25

9. Behavior: regarding approval Physical performance Wit Charm Accomplishments Withdrawn Self assured Capable Competent Cool Try to project: I’m an OK person, a little above average. Not too bad. Not super good. Conscious self image: A clutz who never gets it right, a loser. Inadequate. Don’t measure up. Subconscious self image: God's Word Your Interpretation • Parents • Peers, others • Performance • Comparison • Philosophy Source:

10. Source: Parents Peers, others Performance Comparison Philosophy God’s Word: Created valuable. Loved by God, even at your worst. Jesus died for you and rose from the grave. Forgiven, secure Restored, significant Filled with the Holy Spirit, empowered What’s the basis of your worth? Interpretation: You’re worthless! Unloved! Not acceptable! Not good enough! Everyone else is better! Just random tissue

11. Loving, gracious Patient Kindness Sensitive to others Straightforward Behavior: regarding approval Physical performance Wit Charm Accomplishments Withdrawn Confidence Courage Compassion Authenticity Self assured Capable Competent Cool Try to project: Expressing: I’m an OK person, a little above average. Not too bad. Not super good. My heart is redeemed, Jesus is transforming me. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn. Conscious self image: I am created special by God, Jesus loves me and died for me, I am forgiven and restored, secure A clutz who never gets it right, a loser. Inadequate. Don’t measure up. Subconscious self image: God's Word I am loved by God and am significant! I’m worthless Your Interpretation • Parents • Peers, others • Performance • Comparison • Philosophy Source: Divorce Angry at you Demeaning Cussing you

12. F Talk, behavior E Accepted, warm, courage feelings D Meditate on Him and His Word. Conscious self image: I am loved by God, secure valuable and significant. mind movies Replace destructive thoughts with God’s Word. D thoughts I made a mistake (B ) A C Hmmmmm? I made a mistake. Joy Peace stimulus perception D Worth Significance Thoughts, cognitive distortions Subconscious self image: I am loved by God, secure valuable and significant. issue D mind movies E God's Word • Source: • Parents • Peers, others • Performance • Comparison • Philosophy feelings F Behavior, talk

13. Life ReconstructionBuilding Bombproof Self worth . . . one thought at a time