Metacognition.
It’s important we practice metacognition: “Higher-order thinking that enables understanding, analysis, and control of one’s cognitive processes, especially when engaged in learning.” (Dictionary.com)
Basically metacognition is thinking about thinking, and then taking charge of your thoughts. It is an understanding and awareness of what you are thinking about, and what you will choose to think about.
When I was a teenager in Young Life we would sing this song,
“Thinkin’ about thinkin’, thinkin’, thinkin’, thinkin’. Thinkin’ about thinkin’, thinkin’, thinkin’, thinkin’. Thinkin’ ‘bout thinkin’ in a song, tell it to the people as we’re passin’ along. Singin’ glory, glory, glory hallelujah, praise the Lord in a song – doo doo n doo wah, doo doo n doo wah, doo doo n doo wah.”
What does it mean? I don’t know, except that it was a song about metacognition – thinking about thinking.
So, what do you think about?
If I am honest I spend far too much time thinking about the things of this world: auto repairs, auto purchase, purchases of all kinds, travel plans, dinner plans, home repairs, business issues, relational challenges, etc. It is very easy for the things of this world and the demands of this world to occupy my thoughts and my heart.
Scripture tells us to set our heart on things above, not on earthly things. That must be a conscious decision – it won’t happen accidentally. We must be intentional about our thoughts and our heart.
I just got off of a Skype call with a young man who is at a Christian conference over 5,000 km from his home. He has flown there on his own, spending his own hard-earned money, taking time off work, to simply spend time with his Heavenly father. He wants more of God. He is hungry and thirsty for all that is in God’s heart for him and for others through him.
He listens to sermons on his I-Phone. He listens to worship music on his I-Phone. He is reading his Bible regularly. He was excitedly telling me about the “awesome” Christian messages and videos he accesses online. He wants to get hold of more of God, so he is intentional about what he is thinking about and that to which he is giving his time and attention.
Wow. After our call I thought, “Lord, I need more passion. I want more of You. I want to be more into You and Your Kingdom than the things of this world.”
Do I spend more time researching a purchase of some kind than I spend in prayer and study of the Truth? Sadly, oftentimes “yes”. Do I oftentimes spend more time trying to figure out how to solve a problem than spending time with the Solution – the problem Solver? “Yes” again.
When Jesus came to visit Mary and Martha, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet while Martha was distracted by all the work that needed to be done. Jesus said to Martha, “…you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.”
Only one thing is needed – Jesus. Set your mind and heart on things above. Get a hold of God’s perspective on things. Don’t get distracted by the things of this world.
This young man shared with me a profound experience he had while worshiping in the shower. His Godly grandfather had recently died. He saw a picture of His Grandfather worshiping in Heaven to the same song he was singing in the shower. Then he heard his grandfather say this,
“Jesus is all that matters.”
His heart began to change in that moment and he began to passionately and intentionally set his heart and mind on things above – on God’s heart for him and through him to the people in his life. God’s Kingdom coming and His Will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
Blessed are the hungry and thirsty for righteousness for they shall be satisfied. If you are not hungry and thirsty ask God to change your heart and start setting your mind and heart on things above, not on earthly things.
Begin to practice metacognition. Think about what you are thinking about and then set your heart on the things of God.
Colossians 3:1, 2
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”