Change the Channel

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  ~2 Corinthians 10:5 (New International Version)

Do you remember the days when televisions only had three channels? We had a big antenna on the roof of our house and there was no such thing as a remote control. When we did not like what was on TV, we had to get up and change the channel. In our walk with God, changing the channel is a great analogy we can use to help us keep our thoughts in line with God’s Word.

The world we live in sends messages to us wherever we go.  We see inappropriate photos of women and men on the covers of magazines.  Television shows often have storylines involving adultery or living contrary to God’s Word. Often, the most popular books are those that have a scandalous storyline. Even the music we hear on the radio often encourages a negative message that can affect the way we feel. The list goes on.

If we are not careful, we can begin to believe the lies the world tries to sell us and our minds can be filled up with garbage.  Let us not be fooled. What we think about has the power to affect our lives, greatly.

You and I need to pay close attention to the life of our minds and guard our thoughts.  We need to be careful with what messages we allow to stick in our minds. When evil, negative, ungodly thoughts begin to sneak into our minds, we need to stop those thoughts and begin thinking about things that are in line with God’s Word.  When our thoughts do not honor God, we need to change the channel and think on things that do honor God.

Philippians 4:8 says, “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.” (New International Version)

I heard a Christian speaker say, “We need to think about what we are thinking about.”  This is a statement full of wisdom. Paul writes about the importance of renewing our minds in Romans 12:2 when he said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (New American Standard Bible)

You and I need to think about what we are thinking about. We need to take a good look at what messages we are allowing to stick in our minds.  We should pray and ask God to give us wisdom, and we should be on guard to protect our thoughts from the ungodly messages of this world.

When you find yourself thinking negative, ungodly thoughts, change the channel to start thinking in line with God’s Word.   May the life of our minds be honorable to Him!

Grateful for you!

~Joy