Mental Garbage
There’s an old cliché that’s frequently heard–“garbage in, garbage out”–and it is still true today. What we allow ourselves to be influenced by is what we believe. That’s why it’s so important to guard our minds! The only way to successfully do that is to allow God to be the gatekeeper of what we see, hear, and do. David wrote in Psalm 101:3, “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” Living a godly life isn’t about just “talking the talk,” but also “walking the walk.” What kind of things are you reading, viewing, or experiencing? Are you watching programs with swear words, vulgarity, adultery, lying, or stealing? You might be surprised at how things that may seem like no big deal to you actually affect you in ways that you’re not aware of. There are subliminal messages in music, movies, and television programs that unconsciously influence our minds. The more you allow Satan to infiltrate your thoughts, the more desensitized you become to his evil and vile ways, even excusing it by thinking “it’s okay because it’s not going to affect me.” Christians who pride themselves on being godly and above reproach will “fudge a little” on their taxes and think nothing of it. Others wouldn’t think of killing someone, but don’t consider it sinful to gossip or spread rumors that “murders” people’s reputations. Some would count themselves too holy to ever cheat, yet watch programs where spouses are committing adultery. Music is another tool the devil uses to take over our minds. Young people today are singing along to lyrics about rape, murder, drug use, and all kinds of sexual themes. When you allow the devil to infiltrate your mind, he’s got you! Proverbs 15:14 tells us, “A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.” There is only one way to keep your mind focused on spiritual things and that is to give God control of your heart AND your mind. Philippians 4:8 sheds this light, “Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.” Jesus can’t live in a heart full of garbage, so if you want Christ to be Lord of your life and truly live within you, then create a clean and pure environment in which He can dwell. Text: 2 Corinthians 10:5, Colossians 3:2, Proverbs 4:23, 1 Peter 1:13
© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com