Polishing the Pulpit - Sevierville 2026

10 ways I’d THINK differently: 
1. I’d think of God’s Word as something that changes my heart, not something I use to justify my feelings. I would have the blessing of knowledge. 
“For the word of God is living and active… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
— Hebrews 4:12
I used to search the Bible for loopholes. Now I know the Bible reads me — not the other way around. I would’ve spent a whole lot more time in it, too.
2. I’d think of God's love as already given — not something I had to earn. I would have freedom.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8
I thought I had to prove myself to God. Now I know I obey because I’m already loved.
3. I’d think of obedience not as perfection, but as relationship. I would have love.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
— John 14:15
Obedience isn’t about being flawless — it’s about walking with the One who is. 
4. I’d think of modesty as protection, not punishment. I would have clarity. 
“...women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel... with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”
— 1 Timothy 2:9–10
I thought modesty was about rules. It’s really about guarding my worth and my influence.
5. I’d think of purity as a path to peace, not just a rule to follow. I would have maturity. 
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
— Matthew 5:8
I shouldn’t have wanted to just “stay pure” — I should’ve wanted to see God.  
6. I’d think of my mistakes as part of growing, not proof that I was a failure. I would have grace. 
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1
I let shame define me. Jesus already paid for it.
7. I’d think of friends as spiritual companions, not social trophies. I would have wisdom. 
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
— 1 Corinthians 15:33
I wanted to be liked. And I wanted to be liked by certain people. But I should have asked: Who’s helping me get to heaven?
8. I’d think of service as joy, not just something to add to my resume. I would have purpose. 
“...it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
— Acts 20:35
I was doing the right things… but I didn’t realize how much joy was hidden in the “why.”
9. I’d think of gossip as destruction, not harmless fun. I would have peace. 
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up...”
— Ephesians 4:29
I thought gossip connected me to people, gave me those close intimate friendships. I didn’t know it was tearing others — and me — apart. Plus, it didn’t create the intimate, forever lasting friendship I thought it would.
10. I’d think of my value as secure in Christ, not measured by attention or achievement. I would have confidence. 
“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
I looked for worth in looks, likes, and approval. Jesus already paid full price for me.