As You Think

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Proverbs 23:7 NASB

More than ever, our lives are being dominated by the media. And with each year, we are discovering more ways to interact with others, to receive news, to shop, even to be entertained.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the average American spends more than 250 minutes every day watching television. In addition, they spent more than 100 minutes listening to the radio, more than 40 minutes on the Internet (using a computer), and more than 60 minutes using various applications on a smartphone.

In total, the average American spent more than 500 minutes—or more than eight hours—each day with the media!

Just think about the impact that this media attention has on adults, teens, and even on children. To whom are they listening and watching? What ideas are filling their minds? What opinions are being shaped? What standards are being established?

The Bible says that the mind powerfully influences every aspect of our lives. In fact, what we allow into our minds plays a vital role in determining what we believe. Our goals. Our character.

What is the impact when we fill our minds with gossip? When we constantly think about sports? About entertainment? About pleasures? About fashion? About food? About games?

The Bible tells us that we are to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, or anything that is excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). That we are to fill our minds with God’s Word, that it might guide our thoughts (Psalm 119:105). That we are to be careful about what we listen to, and see.

Ask yourself what you are doing with your time? What are you allowing into your mind and heart? What influences are you allowing to shape your life? Ask God to help you make wise choices. Commit yourself to reading His Word, and thinking His thoughts.

Prayer: Father, help me to be more careful how I spend my time. Give me discernment about what I allow into my mind. Help me to think Your thoughts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.