James Bond and I Have Nothing In Common
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ”
I have not always had the cocky, James Bond-like self-assurance that you see before you today. (Yes, I am joking about myself.) For the first twenty years of my ministry, I would wake up and feel like I was pretending to be a minister. I didn’t feel mature, qualified, or faithful enough to be a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church USA. It wasn’t that my ministry suffered, but I could not fully embrace the call God gave me until I worked on changing my mindset.
Ashley J. Vaughn, in her article, “Let’s Talk About Mindset,” helps the reader understand and focus on their mindset. Vaughn quotes the Oxford Dictionary regarding “mindset” as “the establishment set of attitudes held by someone.” According to psychologist Carolyn Dweck, some of our mindsets are fixed, while others are growth mindsets. Fixed mindsets are talents that “are innate and static.” Growth mindsets are those with abilities developed through hard work and commitment. A person with a growth mindset believes they can transform a situation, challenge, or even their lives.
Vaughn asserts, “Mindset is critical because it is a key driver behind a person’s outcomes in all areas of life-personal goals, interpersonal relationships, and professional endeavors.” If you have a negative mindset, your ability to fulfill God’s call for your life will be hampered. In High School and my first semester of college, I did not see myself as particularly intelligent. We moved a lot growing up, and I was more concerned with making friends than getting good grades. After an awful first semester of college, I knew I needed to change my mindset if I was going to graduate from college and seminary and become an ordained pastor. The change in mindset allowed me to fulfill my calling and expand my academic goals throughout my life.
Today, follow Ashley Vaughn’s advice and “Take stock of your life,” “Show yourself grace,” and “Figure out what matters to you-and go after it!” These are not quick or straightforward steps. None of us can achieve them without the guidance and support of the Holy Spirit. Prayerfully approach each step in Vaughn’s advice with prayerful confidence. You and I will never be perfect, but it can be meaningful if we work hard and invite God into the process. Don’t screw up your GPA before creating the proper mindset for yourself. You are worthy of God’s attention and your best effort.
