How Should I Think?

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

How Should I Think?

How Should I Think?
Logic, as described on Wikipedia, online encyclopedia, is the study of arguments. Logic in Greek is understood to be words, and more so as thought or reason. As I look in the Microsoft Words Program it says logic is synonymous with reason or judgment. First of all, let me just say that this topic of logic is very broad. Logic is not a topic I understand easily. As I am studying it, I have to look to analogies and examples and as I am explaining it, I have to do the same. At this point, I cannot break this down to the bone, but I can take you through my thinking of logic.
As I had mentioned earlier, in order to have any grasp on logic I have to break it down. I am sure you would like for this to be easy to understand. Since logic is synonymous with reason, I want to be reasonable. An example of being logical is, if I, being here in Redding, CA, go buy stamps at the post office when they are open, not closed, and if I buy clothes at the mall while they are open, not closed. And if I want to plant apple trees, at my farm, I would want good soil, good light, and good planning so that those plants would grow, and I would be successful. It is logical to complete these tasks during the day while stores are opened for business and the sun is out for me to see where I am planting my apple trees. Now, what is being ill thinking is doing the opposite of the previous example: to buy clothes at the mall when they are closed and to buy clothes or to go to the post office to buy stamps when they are closed. It would not be reasonable to try to plant apple trees when it is dark.
Furthermore, it leads me to how I should think. I believe it is important to think right and to act right. I am now raising the question if being logical or reasonable is being right? To answer the question of “How should I think?” I have to ask who am I? I am Sudea, the daughter of God who is made in his image. If I am made in his image I should reflect Him. His character, which I can understand through his word, the Bible, is an example of whom I should reflect. So, how should I think? I should think as God would think. I would base my understanding or reflection of logic with God as my guide. I would say when one is thinking logically, they are thinking rightfully. This brings me to my last point of how I should ultimately think with verse eight from Philippians Chapter four.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philipians 4:8
I should think rightfully, purely, lovely, and admirably; I should be excellent and praiseworthy for God’s glory; in my Christian worldview that is logical.