Think on These Things

So you all remember Julie's post about what influences us, right? That is kind of what inspired this whole Thursday Thoughts thing. If you haven't read it yet, you should, or if you have, go back and re-read it.

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I fill my mind with. Who I am letting influence my decisions, how I spend my time, and most importantly, my thoughts? Think of some TV shows that you watch on a regular basis. Think about who is producing those shows. The reality shows, the news shows, the dramas and the sitcoms. Who is writing the newspapers and magazine articles? In most cases, it is the WORLD! Those things that we see on television and in newspapers and magazines are not of God, they are of the world. It is bad enough that they glorify bad language, dishonesty, and premarital sex, but they also make adultery and homosexuality seem like it is glamorous. Most news programs only tell me the bad things that are happening in the world, like who got killed, raped, etc. Not anything that is "of good report." Is this what God would want me to fill my mind with? I don't think so!

Of course we cannot be completely cut off from the world, or else we would not be able to influence those who are in it for Christ.The point is, we are to be IN the world, but not OF the world. Romans 12:2 says "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

But how can we expect that to be when we are letting the world influence our thoughts and therefore our actions?

Ephesians 4:27 says "do not give place to the devil." When I fill my mind with worldly thoughts, I am actually giving a little piece of my mind to the devil. I am "giving him a place" in my mind, and I don't want him there!!

• "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1,2)

• "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-think on these things." (Phil. 4:8)

So from now on, unless whatever program that's on the TV is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, or praiseworthy, I will not be watching it.