Thoughts: What You Fill Your Mind With

You Are What You Fill Your Mind With

“Some Christians allow the world to fill their minds with ungodly thinking. Some people seem drawn to concentrate on the negative, choosing to be pessimistic about everything. Some remain satisfied with thinking of the mundane. Others fail to intentionally place Scripture in their thoughts, choosing instead to adopt human reasoning. Others, however, choose to expose their minds to the truths of God – to that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and good.

The things you allow your mind to dwell on will be revealed by the way you live. If you focus on negative things, you will inevitably be a negative person. If you allow unholy thoughts to fill your mind, ungodliness will become common in your life. If you fill your mind with thoughts of Christ, you will become Christ-like. What you fill your mind with is a matter of choice. Choose to concentrate on the magnificent truths of God, and they will create in you a noble character that brings glory to God.” ~from Experiencing God, H. Blackaby

S – Scripture:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—-meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8

Matthew 12:34 (New Living Translation) “You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”

O – Observation:

Many people think if they don’t “act” on the things that they fill their mind with, then it’s ‘okay’ to continue filling their mind with that same information. I’ve had lengthy discussions with people who say it’s ok to watch things like soap operas, television shows, read romance novels etc – all of which contribute to the values of this world.

The world’s view – which I’ve commented on in the past – is just that, the world’s view. The world says it’s ok to break the commandments of the bible and to do what the majority of the population is doing – do what feels good – not what is right and expected and pleasing to God. Because of this, we need to think about what we fill our mind with. It’s not easy. I noticed over the years that my mind would deem it acceptable behavior (whatever was going on around me) based on what I was watching on TV, or exposed to in the news, and especially the people I was hanging out with. I needed a positive environment. I stopped watching a lot of regular television programs and only saw Food Network and Home and Garden. I even stopped watching the news as it was filling my mind with stuff I didn’t want to dwell on.

Not long ago, friends of mine, along with many other Christians were fascinated with a so-called love story of a vampire and whatever else I’m not sure. It wasn’t of God. These people described their interest as a love story, nothing more. However there seemed to be an unhealthy obsession that wasn’t of God. My question to them is, what does the bible say about vampires? How does that mind occupation with these books and movies and actors – help them to grow closer to the Lord? Sure I have interests that are not based on biblical study. I watch things like the Food Network, and like Mickey Mouse, but it’s not devil worship. Nor do I have a morbid relation to people sucking the blood life out of others.

In addition, I give ample time to studying the bible and doing things that edify my growth to my family and Christ. I believe that if something or someone – draws you away from your family, your responsibilities, and Christ – we need to refocus on why this thing or person is so important and work on that issue – not delve deeper into the fantasy of escape.

If you’re interested on what the bible says about vampires here’s an interesting reply from gotquestions.org click here to read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/vampires.html What’s interesting to note, not only young tween girls are affected by the lore of the story, but young women, both single and married need to search their lives and see if this applies to their life and walk with Christ.

It’s interesting to note – if you study the bible the same about of time that you spend on your other “choices” of mind dwelling – that the Word of God will win – allow God to dwell in your heart and mind.

A – Application:

I can apply these scriptures to my life by remembering that everything I do, observe, and absorb – are things that I meditate on. It may not be my intention to stop and ponder on the many things that I am willingly and unwillingly exposed to in my daily life; however I will balance myself by dwelling in the Word of God daily – through devotions, biblical teachings, readings, radio programs – so that I can draw closer to the Lord and focus on the things of the Lord.

P – Prayer:

Father I ask that you help me to know and do your will. I ask that you forgive me for all my sins. I ask that you guide me and help me to do what is right in your will and be a positive person, a person of passion for you, a person that concentrates on the truths of God – so that my character brings glory to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Reading: Blackaby’s Devotional 3/4/2010

Phil 4:8 and Matt 12:34

Today’s Date: March 4, 2010