Book Repot: As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
Mr.. Allen truly believes in his very detailed writings from back in 1903, but just like any classic or the bible, that weaves a story about the power of the mind and that a man is literally what he thinks, his character and a summation of his thoughts. He relates the mind to a garden that could be either meticulously cultivated or left to be over-grown. So are we willing to weed through our thoughts to throw out the bad or unuseful so we can enjoy the beautiful fruits or flowers. And if we are willing to learn the spiritual lesson(s) associated with any circumstance, it passes and gives rise to new circumstances. We often attract what we love and fear, and man will learn from both in the joy or suffering. Our hopes and prayers more likely come to fruition when they line up with our thoughts and actions (in the Bible it states “Faith without works is dead). Easier said than done, this requires sacrifice of some sort depending on the situation or circumstance (analogous to the Bible and how God sacrificed His one and only son to restore relationship with mankind and so our sinful flesh could be redeemed by His Blood shed on a cross). Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction, and it’s primary use is to purify and refine.
Man can alter his thoughts and rapid transformation can result in the material condition of his life (in the Bible it calls us to “take every thought captive”). Thoughts crystalize into habit and habits into circumstance.
This also affects the human body physically as glad and beautiful thoughts can create youthfulness and beauty, and stress, fear and anxiety can allow for aging and dis-ease (the Bible also talks about “what goes into a body can defile a man). So changing diet with changing thoughts can also really change a man (we see examples of this again in the Bible with Daniel’s diet and with Jesus himself fasting for spiritual and metal clarity).
So by conquering one’s thoughts with praying to the Lord for a legitimate purpose in one’s heart it can truly create real freedom- which is really what we all want with the peace that goes with it.
This book has truly caused me to reflect on my thought life and what my vices may be. I can definitely do a much better job on thinking about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control and how these thoughts relate to myself and others and my circumstances.
It also caused me to pause and be still (and know I’m God from the Bible too)… and reflect on what is my true purpose in my own heart. I don’t have true clarity on this yet in full transparency, but at least I’m asking the right questions to God to help reveal that in my life and what He wants me to accomplish in this second half of my life. All this will move me towards my ultimate goal of freedom and peace with God, others and myself.
