I used the following quote in a recent sermon: “Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”
While the original source is not known (several possibilities exist according to Wikipedia), the point is clear: a person reaps what they sow (see Galatians 6). Here is how it works …
- You have a thought.
- You have a choice about whether or not to entertain that thought.
- If you entertain the thought, you will eventually act on it.
- If you continue to act on the same thought, you will form a habit.
- The sum of your habits will shape your character.
- Your character will determine many of life’s outcomes.
Destinies are not built overnight. They are the accumulation of thoughts that turn into actions, which turn into habits, which turn into your character.
If wish to alter your destiny, begin by altering your thoughts. A new thought leads to a new action. Or, better put, a good thought leads to good actions. Which then leads to good habits … you get the point.