Hey friends. This is an article that I wrote a while ago, and stumbled upon it recently. I thought it would be a good addition to what I wrote on Wednesday. Read and be encouraged!
Philippians 4: 8-9 states, “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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
One thing God has been challenging me with lately is purity of the mind. As Christians, we should daily check what we allow to go through our minds. I know for me it is not always the purest and most holy of thoughts. It is easy to allow our minds to be filled with worry, stress, anger, bitterness, jealousy, etc. At times one may wonder why we can’t get such thoughts from our minds, or why we can’t feel God’s presence. However, if we are feeding our minds with things of this world, that is why we are unhappy, discontent, fearful, or worried.
In the early years of my parent’s marriage, my dad worked the night shift. Because of that, mom was alone in the evenings and often felt afraid. However, one night in particular she was more fearful than normal. She prayed for the Lord take her fear away, and to remove the feeling of darkness that was around her. She had been watching a television show and immediately felt the Lord tell her “Sara, how can I take the Devil out, when you are putting him in by what you are watching?” From that point forward my mom was more selective regarding the things she watched, read, and listened to. I was reminded of this recently, and realized that I have let my guard down in this area more than I should have. Below are some questions that I ask myself regarding these areas and I thought I would share them with you.
Questions to ask ourselves:
1. Are the television shows and movies I am watching glorifying to the Lord? How do I feel once I’ve watched it? Does it make me have sinful thoughts or attitude?
2. Does the music I listen to glorify the Lord? Does it cause me to want to draw closer to Him or does it make me discontent?
3. Does the books and magazines I read glorify the Lord or do they bring negative thoughts to my mind?
4. Does the conversations I engage in glorify the Lord or myself? Does the words I use affirm others or tear them down?
Bible verses to ponder:
Romans 12:2: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Ephesians 4:22-24: “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
As you go throughout your week ask God to show you what habits you need to do away with or change. Focus on the verses above and commit them to memory as they will help focus your mind and heart on the right things. Praying for you all.
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