What Do You Think?

One of the most famous statements in history came from French philosopher René Descartes, who said, “I think, therefore I am.”

Descartes penned the phrase in response to the radical thinking of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, a way of thinking which attacked logical, rational thinking. In fact, he explained in his Discourse on the Method:

“Accordingly, seeing that our senses sometimes deceive us, I was willing to suppose that there existed nothing really such as they presented to us; And because some men err in reasoning, and fall into Paralogisms (a false or illogical argument), even on the simplest matters of Geometry, I, convinced that I was as open to error as any other, rejected as false all the reasonings I had hitherto taken for Demonstrations;”

His words should be echoed today as we find that many have fallen into illogical thinking that contradicts the obvious. We are now told that 2 + 2 no longer equals 4, facts are “racist,” and a person can choose to call him or herself whatever they want, and all others should agree with that person. The illogical is quickly becoming the norm.

Your Integrity Matters

Descartes recognized that there is a truth that surpasses our “radical” and “illogical” thinking. God made this clear as well, having Solomon pen Proverbs 23:7, which reads: for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

The difficult thing about this verse is that the translation you select will likely give you a completely different understanding. The ESV is listed above. The King James Version reads: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

In the New Living Translation, we read: They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.

No matter which translation you select, God makes it clear that your integrity is important. That when you commit to doing something, it is important that you do it.

However, there is an important point that Solomon added – my inner thoughts and feelings are going to directly impact my behaviors, my attitudes, and my character. While all three versions are providing this reality, the one that best summarizes this principle is the KJV – “what a man (or woman) thinketh in his heart, so is he (she).”

Our “Radical” Thinking

We live in an age where you are constantly told how “bad” you are. You are not fast enough, strong enough, successful enough, happy enough, skilled enough, smart enough, … The list goes on and on. In fact, if you watch TV or look on the internet long enough, you will realize that you are just a mess!

The world tells you that everything about you is wrong. You hear this over and over again and that “radical” thinking begins to creep into your mind. Before you know it, you are what you think. You are dumb, ugly, depressed, and unsuccessful. Your marriage is terrible. Your job is the worst and your home is garbage. You have thought these things, so they have become who you are.

Descartes lived in a world where people began to question the most basic truths, “thinking” that those truths were wrong. Where even the “simplest matters of Geometry” were false. That is what the world is doing to you as well. It is trying to convince you that you are not valued, loved, important, and special.

Those are not my words. They are the words from the Creator of all things, from the King of kings. He says you are a masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) designed in His image (Genesis 1:26). He tells you that you are perfectly created and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14). He says that you are chosen (Ephesians 1:4), forgiven and redeemed (Ephesians 1:7), and precious (1 Peter 1:18-19). Most importantly, He tells you that you are loved (John 3:16, Ephesians 5:25).

To the world, this seems like the radical way of thinking, but the truth is that this was the correct way of thinking from the start. The lies that you have no value, that you are worthless, unlovable, and a failure are the radical things that are being said about you. They are denying the “simplest matters” of God, that you are loved, forgiven, and created by the God of all things.

Descartes was right – you think, therefore you are. It is time to start asking yourself what you are thinking about. Are you speaking the truths of God or the things of the “radical” world? Just know that whatever you are thinking, that is who you think you are.

Hope Good News

Tristian Lane will begin his senior year at Washington High School on Tuesday. Keep our brother in your prayers… A group of generous donors have put together a $150,000 matching gift for the 2025 Hope CDA Gala. This is an extraordinary act of generosity. If you would like to be a part of helping to meet the match, please contact Dr. Robert Pannier (Rob.P@HopeCDAcr.org)… Troy Lloyd had his first classes at Central Christian College of the Bible this last week. God is doing great things in his heart… Alex Santiago-Rios and Chris McFadden returned to Hope CDA on Wednesday. Both completed treatment and have come ready to have victory in the next stage of their lives.

Volunteer Opportunity

Tristian Lane needs to finish his final year of high school and so he will be going to class for half day starting on August 25. He will likely need tutoring to help him succeed. If you are a person who is skilled at math, English, or other subjects and would like to help, please let Dr. Robert Pannier (Rob.P@HopeCDAcr.org) know.

Prayers for the Week

We ask you to join in prayer for these things:

1. For Chris and Alex, that they may have an amazing year of life transformation.
2. For Braedon Bonnell, who was accepted into the program. May he draw close to God and overcome his challenges when he joins Hope CDA.
3. For Steve Yarbrough. May he find a full-time job soon.
4. For all of our graduates. May they continue to grow in their faith and stay connected to Hope CDA.

Tuesday Night Encouragement at Hope CDA

Just a reminder that the men are participating in the Alpha Course at Mission of Hope and will be there through the end of October. There will be no Night of Encouragement at the Hope Center until the first Tuesday of November.

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