What's your thought process for the new year?

Rob Streetman Jan. 17, 2023

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A couple wait patiently for the birth of their first child, not sure what the change will mean. Nine months—waiting—wondering what their new lives will be like. Then birth pangs… the baby is born… and lives are changed forever. Changes for the better in most cases, but never without some moments of chaos.

Like parenthood, most change occurs slowly, and then very, very fast. So much has already changed in this decade and most of it, unlike the birth of a child, has not been for the better. And it seems the storms have only just begun.

Honestly, it feels like storms brewing off the coast have come crashing ashore, one right after the other, intent on destroying everything in their path. Who would now be so naïve to think, as we try to make sense and dig out of the most recent storms, that others are not lurking somewhere offshore.

It seems important to recognize we are experiencing the culmination of several changes which have been progressing slowly for quite some time (e.g., political progressivism, economic decline, sexual revolution). The sudden stage is upon us, and the timing seems more than coincidence.

In The Storm Before the Calm,George Friedman (2020) suggested this decade would be particularly chaotic due to the unusual intersection of transitions in the institutional (i.e., politics) and socioeconomic cycles. When either one of these cycles goes through transition, some measure of chaos ensues. Together, the impacts are multiplied.

Its important to note that Friedman did not know to factor in a worldwide pandemic and its accompanying economic and social challenges. Is it any wonder the chaos we are experiencing has entered exponential territory?

The reason

So, what does this have to do with thinking?

Here's what I think (no pun intended).

Consider the couple above—newly blessed with their first child. What dysfunction would ensue were they unwilling to think differently about their lives? What if they had not prepared practically, emotionally, and spiritually to care for a brand-new human being? Generally speaking, life would be more difficult than it had to be.

In my humble opinion, that is exactly where we (i.e., Christians and Christian organizations) find ourselves. For reasons too numerous to cite here, we have been caught unprepared for the storms and chaos of this decade. It is time we started thinking about the way we think about God and the responsibilities and people He has entrusted to our care.

The purpose of this article is not to tell anyone how to think. I've written much in that direction, including a book – An Enemy Lies Within– which lays out several ways Christians need to check their thinking.

The purpose of this article is to remind and encourage my family, friends, and brethren to think about the way they are thinking. Given the growing distractions of the chaos and the sinister workings of our carnal mind, thinking critically about one's thinking will require a forceful effort. Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) requires diligence and discipline.

Ultimately, if we are to survive and thrive as Christians in this decade, we must surrender our worldviews and paradigms to God. Only then will He, by the Holy Spirit, transform us through the renewing of our minds.

The way

Protecting the way we think has been largely turned over to our carnal mind—the one at enmity with God (Romans 8:7). Inevitably, that enemy will resist the Spirit's work with all its might, and call on Satan and the world for help.

Practically speaking, the rapidity and acceleration of change we will face in the remainder of this decade will require a softening of our paradigms—being capable of thinking on our spiritual feet and outside our natural, often carnal, box. The way we think must become like clay in the Potter's hands (Isaiah 64:8).

We soften our paradigms by taking them, one by one, to the Lord and allowing the Holy Spirit to put them to death (Romans 8:13), renew them (Romans 12:2), or cleanse them from any unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Note, this may require confession and restitution. The Spirit will lead you into your specific deliverance and healing.

God has allowed the storms and chaos of this decade for several reasons:

1. For our transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18).
2. To test the strength of our houses (Matthew 7:24-27).
3. To encourage His reluctant children out of their comfort zones (Luke 13:24).
4. To remind His timid warriors that He expects them to fight (Ephesians 6:12).

Invest some time—maybe a lot of time—considering God's intention for you in 2023. Think suspiciously and critically about the way you think regarding the items above and the many storms we have experienced over the last three years.

What person in Christ do you desire to become? What areas need the Spirit's transformational work?

Will your proverbial house continue to stand? Is it time for an inspection?

Are you prepared to make some hard decisions for God's glory and His kingdom?

Are you properly dressed and prepared for the war? Is your platoon ready? Do you have one?

God bless you with sober judgment and discernment of the times. God bless you with time and grace to think rightly. Amen.

Friedman, G. (2020). The Storm Before the Calm. New York: Doubleday.

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Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More »

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