Scientific studies suggest that reducing negative thinking is significantly more impactful for well-being than simply increasing positive thoughts. This principle is based on the premise that identifying, challenging, and reframing negative thought patterns is the cornerstone of good mental health. Jesus, addressing critics who were offended at his disciples not washing their hands, said, “There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him” (Mark 7:15).
He went on to address issues of the heart (evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness). Jesus said, “All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person” (vs. 23). Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Paul is not simply advocating for positive thinking; he’s actively dismantling and eliminating every argument and opinion that’s opposed to the knowledge of God and takes every thought captive to obey Christ. Science agrees with the Bible that eliminating negative thinking is the key to being impactful in this world.