Meditations As a Man Thinketh
As a Man Thinketh
The mission of Oak Brook College is not just to train lawyers or legal assistants. It is to train advocates of truth, counselors of reconciliation, and ministers of justice who have a "renewed mind" about the nature and purpose of law.
Consistent with that vision, we want to send you a series of short meditations to encourage and to challenge each of us to "keep the most important thing, the most important thing." Our success as a person in the various roles we have is not dependent upon our intellect, experience, or contacts, but it is dependent upon knowing God through Jesus Christ and His ways. His promises are true and He promises to reward "them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11: 6)
"As a Man Thinketh"
The wisest man ever to have lived, King Solomon, stated, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...." (Proverbs 23:7) Others have stated the same truth in different ways. "You become like the people you associate with and the books you read." The Apostle Paul stated, "Evil communications corrupt good manners," or, as another Bible translation puts it, "Bad company corrupts good character." (I Corinthians 15:33)
We all must recognize that there are influences in our life - both good and bad. The question each of us should ask is "What or who is influencing me?"
Think about it!
The Bible says, "Keep (guard) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
What are you meditating on in your heart? Are you thinking about Jesus and His Word? Are you treasuring and delighting in His law (ways)?
Or, are you worried, fearful, or anxious about work, your legal studies, or other issues in your life?
One Bible teacher says that worry is just meditation on the wrong things. It is meditation on circumstances or fears rather than the truth and promises of God. Remember, you really are what you think about!
Start today, if you are not already doing it. Take a verse or two of Scripture and write it out on a small card. Keep it with you, read it and reread it over and over again. Think about it and ask God to give you wisdom and understanding concerning it. You will soon discover the truth of Jesus' words, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
If you have not memorized Psalm 1, I suggest you start there.
Robert J. Barth
Associate Dean