GUARDING YOUR HEART AND MIND
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
There's a constant war waging for the space between your ears. What you think and believe will ultimately impact what you do and how you live. You know this—just consider the algorithm of your devices. They listen to you and monitor your online presence. At this point, we've all talked about buying something only to be overrun with ads for that very thing. You might think this is just a war for your wallet, but I think it's more than that. The nebulous algorithm that drives our online interactions with social media controls much of what you see. It can incite you to see those you disagree with. Or it can lead you to an echo chamber of like-minded individuals to help you grow even further cemented in your way of thinking.
Why do I bring up all of this? Because your thought life matters significantly. And as a chronically online society, we're being shaped and molded by all that we consume. But God, speaking through Paul, tells us He wants to change how we think. When we can do this, we can begin to discern His will for our lives.
So, we must be on guard as we seek to live our transformed lives. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT), Paul says: We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Another translation says that we should take every thought captive. How disciplined are you in your thought life? Are you being transformed by the renewing of your mind, or are you allowing the filth and divisiveness of the world to send you careening out of control?
APPLICATION: What dominates your thoughts? How are you guarding your mind? Is there anything you need to change in your life—perhaps unplugging from constant media or social media engagement? Reconsidering those that you grant such close access to you? Ask God to show you how to guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23) and mind.
PRAYER: God, help me to keep my eyes on You. Thank You for the gift of new life. Help me to not copy the ways of this world but live as Your ambassador of light in an age of darkness. Help me to guard my heart and mind. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?