We all know how to think. We do it constantly. Ironically, without very much thought. A simple definition of thinking is "the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts." Your mind. Your thoughts.
And isn't that where trouble can start? For the unfaithful slave in Jesus' parable, it was.
Jesus first paints a picture of a master entrusting a servant to care for the others while he is away. Things turn when the slave "says to himself" things that don't reflect his master's will. Whereas the master wanted the slave to fulfill his concern for the others, the slave starting thinking more for himself. And, as the Internet world says today, he let his intrusive thoughts win. His thoughts are to neglect his responsibilities and abuse the others while he indulges himself.
There was no prayer. No checking with the master's instructions. There was no accountability. That's what can happen when you only think to yourself. His thoughts were no longer, What would my master have me do? Instead he only thought, What do I feel like doing right now? Unfortunately, we often trade God-centered thinking for self-centered thinking.
Jesus' point was about readiness and working for God's kingdom. Of course, that is an important lesson. But I also want to reflect on what would happen to the other slaves. Thinking only of and to yourself often leads you to only act for yourself. As Jesus told it, when the one excluded the master from his thinking, the others would suffer.
Thinking with God, however, opens our heart to understand the care God asks us to offer those around us. Yes, it's easy to think about God. But I'm asking you to have the courage to think with God. To "set your mind on things above" (Colossians 3:2). To pray and think with God in ways that burst the bubble of self-contained thinking.
Stay blessed...john | 
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