“Mindset” is a concept that has always fascinated me, sparking a quest to understand what it truly means. Why is this so crucial? Because at the core of our minds lies the power to define and describe our world. Think of it: two individuals, facing identical situations, yet reacting with starkly different emotions and actions. Why? The answer, I believe, lies in perspective, which is birthed by an established set of attitudes and thought patterns—one that ultimately influences response. That’s why whenever I am asked, “What’s the greatest investment?” the response is always the same: self-development. The investor dictates the nature of the investment, irrespective of how alluring that investment is.
Let’s consider Genesis 1:16, where God creates “two great lights,” the sun and the moon. Now, imagine the moon, consumed by a pang of cosmic jealousy, comparing its brilliance to the sun’s. “He shines brighter,” it might lament. But the text emphasizes “great lights,” not “greatest.” In Hebrew, “greater” implies intensity, not inherent superiority. Both lights are magnificent because God declared them so. This brings us to the truth: if the moon allows external comparisons to redefine its inherent worth, the problem lies within its own perception. Anything God has declared about you, your inherent value, and your potential is irrefutable. Don’t let external circumstances or opinions distort your internal mirror.
The Bible in 1 Corinthians 2:16 (Amplified Version) reads in part, “But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].” The thought of “having the mind of Christ” is mind-blowing—we have access to His thoughts and purposes. Add that to the truth that the Holy Spirit resides in us. This isn’t mere metaphor; it’s a profound inner reality. Jesus resides within us, empowering us to achieve the seemingly impossible. Therefore, we must diligently feed our minds with relevant information, especially God’s word, and not the fleeting opinions of others. Our minds are products of the mirrors we hold up to them, the information we consistently consume. Think of it as cognitive reframing, a psychological tool where we consciously change our perspective to alter our behavioral responses. By investing in our minds—through study, reflection, and spiritual growth—we cultivate a healthy self-perception, a resilient mindset that allows us to see our own “great light,” regardless of the perceived brilliance of others.
Let’s start investing in those books, in the scriptures, and in the space for our minds to grasp who we truly are. Let’s expunge the perception of our being the lesser light. Remember, the moon is still “light” and God called it “great”—just as we are, made in His image and likeness. So, if any person or circumstance describes you as the moon—to dim your shine, reply confidently, “I’m still great!”