(This Blog Post is based on a Clip that we posted during Episode 19 of our Greg and Tim Show Podcast - https://youtu.be/zX2zdjQneAo?si=phfb66FXRpeOxy5C)
One Sunday, I found myself reflecting deeply on a message delivered by Pastor Danny, a close friend whose insights often linger in my mind long after the service. This particular sermon tackled the concept of mental assent versus actual change—a topic that resonated profoundly with me, especially considering our human tendency to wish for better outcomes without taking the necessary steps to achieve them.
Pastor Danny’s message was further elaborated by Pastor Zach the following week, cementing the idea that there's a stark difference between hoping for the best and actively making changes for the best. It reminded me of a powerful message I heard over 15 years ago from the late Pastor Leon. He introduced the concept of “The Blueprint,” emphasizing that much of what we learn and how we behave is ingrained in our subconscious from a young age. This blueprint influences our reactions and behaviors in adulthood, often without us even realizing it.
Leon’s teachings, combined with Danny and Zach’s recent sermons, prompted me to think about the pervasive issue of mental assent. Mental assent is when we mentally agree with something but fail to act on it. This can be seen in various aspects of life, from the unread books we buy to the unused exercise equipment that gathers dust in our homes. We feel a sense of accomplishment just by purchasing a book or a piece of equipment, yet without action, these items do not bring about any real change.
The challenge lies in shifting from mental assent to actual faith and action. It’s not enough to simply think or speak about our goals; we must take tangible steps toward them. This idea was illustrated poignantly in a scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” where a character repeatedly wishes for a million dollars without taking any steps to earn it. This reflects a common human behavior—wishing for change without making any efforts to achieve it.
The distinction between hopeful thinking and actionable change is crucial. Why do some people with similar circumstances achieve greatness while others do not? It often boils down to their mindset and actions. Pastor Danny highlighted that 40-50% of people who buy self-help books never read them. This statistic underscores the prevalence of mental assent—feeling satisfied with the idea of improvement rather than pursuing it.
To transform thoughts into reality, we must address our belief systems (or BS, as Pastor Leon humorously called it). Our beliefs, formed in childhood, heavily influence our adult behavior. Changing these entrenched beliefs requires deliberate effort. For instance, instead of passively accepting negative thoughts, we need to actively replace them with positive affirmations.
A practical approach to this is the concept of daily declarations. Pastor Zach has introduced the idea of repeating a positive declaration every day for a week, helping to cement it in our minds. This method can be applied to various aspects of life, from personal improvement to professional success.
For example, if someone wants to quit smoking, they might start by telling themselves daily, "I hate cigarettes; they are disgusting." Over time, this repeated affirmation can alter their subconscious beliefs, making the habit easier to break. Similarly, if we consistently affirm that we will meet our deadlines or achieve our goals, we are more likely to act in ways that make these affirmations a reality.
In the context of our podcast studio, the journey from an idea to a tangible setup involved visualizing and vocalizing our plans. Greg discussed the idea with myself and we made it feel more real, motivating us to take actionable steps. This transformation from thought to reality underscores the power of combining mental visualization with concrete actions.
In conclusion, transforming thoughts into reality requires moving beyond mere mental assent. It involves recognizing our subconscious beliefs, actively replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, and taking consistent, tangible steps towards our goals. Whether it’s personal growth, professional achievements, or everyday tasks, the power of positive thinking combined with deliberate action can bring about meaningful change. As Pastor Danny and Zack have taught us, it’s time to shift from wishing for the best to working for the best.
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