Develop Fruity Thinking

In his book, "S.U.M.O (Shut Up, Move On)", Paul McGee talks about the need to develop fruity thinking (*Phil 4:8) and went on to explain 4 types of faulty thinking. Top of the list is The Inner Critic

Excerpt from the book
"This is the voice inside your head that highlights your weaknesses and undermines your confidence. It is not the voice of encouragement to do better, it is the voice of condemnation. You make a mistake on Tuesday and ten days(or ten years)later you are still beating yourself up about it."

"The language of the Inner Critic includes... "I'm always getting it wrong.", "How could I have been so stupid?", "Why didn't you...", "That's typical of you.", "You always get that wrong"."

"The emotional intensity behind what you say to yourself determines whether the impact of the Inner Critic is that of the common cold (annoying but not life-threatening) or pneumonia (much more serious with potentially damaging consequences)"

"It's not simply what you say to yourself that matters. It's how you say it and how much you believe it that counts"

"We still need to have conversations with ourselves, but the voice we need to listen to is that of the Inner Coach (*the Holy Spirit). THis voice has your best interest at heart. It is for you. The Inner Critic (*Satan the accuser) condemns you. The Inner Coach encourages you and inspires you to improve, and in a few pages' time you will learn how to tune in to this voice. (*read His word, pray and listen to Him - in other words, have a Quiet Time)

"Points to Ponder:
Do you suffer from the Inner Critic? What phrases do you find your Inner Critic saying to you? In what situations do you find the Inner Critic speaks loudest? Does it happen more at work or at home?"
[End of Excerpt]

To Do: Reflect on the Points to Ponder. Answer yourself honestly. What are the triggers/patterns you recognize as the strongest 'entry' point for the Inner Critic to have a go at you and blast you to smithereens? Read Phil 4:8. What should you be thinking of and dwelling on? List them down, pray, and dwell on them.

Note: Asterisks are words added by me to Paul McGee's explanations.