PART 7 YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN. NOW WHAT?

How Can I Avoid Influences That Corrupt My Mind?

6

How Can I Avoid the Influences That Corrupt My Mind?

In an earlier chapter, we talked about addressing the weaknesses of the flesh. We mentioned that now that we’re Christians, we need to learn how to subject ourselves to the Holy Spirit so that we’re no longer under the power of the sin nature. What we found out is that this spiritual state becomes operative when our minds are renewed by the Word of God and the union of the Holy Spirit with our human spirits.

And as a reminder, the renewal of the mind relates to putting off the thoughts of the old man and putting on the thoughts of the new man. This new way of thinking is found in the Word of God and, hopefully, is disseminated to us by the teachings of the church leadership we’re attending. Therefore, our responsibility is to appropriate these new thoughts and have them be the new way that we think about ourselves and others.

Some examples of this new way of thinking are as follows:

�-� Thoughts of crediting someone with evil should be replaced with thoughts of believing the best about them unless positive evidence indicates otherwise. 1 Corinthians 13:5 �" thinketh no evil.

�-� Thoughts of being critical of others because they weren’t doing things the way we thought they should be doing them should be replaced with thoughts of minding our own business. 1 Peter 4:15 �" busybody.

�-� Thoughts of lust toward members of the same or opposite sex should be replaced with thoughts of seeking to save that which is lost and to know no person after their flesh. Luke 19:10; 1 Peter 1:22 �" pure heart.

�-� Thoughts of addiction should be replaced with thoughts of attending the gathering of the saints for the benefits of hearing God’s transforming Word and being impacted by the Holy Spirit’s presence. Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking.

�-� Thoughts of getting even with someone who has done us wrong should be replaced with thoughts of praying to God for the removal of the divine punishment that might come upon them so that they might not perish, but rather for God to open up an opportunity for us to share the gospel with them. Matthew 5:44 �" pray.

�-� Thoughts of slander toward someone who’s saying bad things about us should be replaced with thoughts of speaking only of those things which we can commend in them. Matthew 5:44 �" bless.

Hopefully, as we begin each day, we’ll put on these new thoughts that provide us with a divine perspective in those areas of weakness that have inhibited us on a day-to-day basis in the past. As we go about our days, there will be many influences coming at us from the affections and lusts of other people’s sin nature, whether through our personal interactions with them or through media entertainment. I call this life.

What is media entertainment? Media and entertainment consist in the form of movies, television, the internet, video games, DVDs, etc. In most cases, what we hear and see in regard to such is projected to us from the perspective of the fallen nature unless we’re watching a broadcast that features Spirit-filled Christians.

Before I was saved, I couldn’t seem to get enough of three specific genres in television. These were science fiction, mysteries, and sports, in particular, fake wrestling. After I was saved, and for many years after that, I still watched shows in these genre areas without discretion.

As you know, when we watch TV, our minds usually are in what I’d call the passive mode. We take in what we see and hear and, in many instances, without regard to what’s being said or the images being displayed. After these shows were over, some of the thoughts and visual images would come back and replay themselves over and over in my mind. Sometimes, they’d trigger my weaknesses, and before I knew it, I’d be entertaining memories in this respect. Instead of meditating on God’s Word, I was now subject to the affections and lusts of the flesh once again.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

However, as I continued to attend worship services and hear messages about the new person I’d become, I began to notice that the thoughts of the flesh and the thoughts of the Spirit were contrary to one other. If our minds entertain earthly thoughts and images, then this restrains the influences of the Spirit. Likewise, if our minds entertain spiritual thoughts and images, this limits the influences of the sin nature. Being opposite in their nature, the flesh and the Spirit are enemies of one another.

With this in mind, I had to adjust how I would choose to let my mind be influenced. Some of you reading this might say, oh no, here we go again with legalism; don’t do this and don’t do that. What is legalism? Legalism is a form of religion that tries to please God through what we do. Under this condition, there’s no empowerment by the Holy Spirit and possibly no indwelling Spirit.

In contrast, spirituality or godliness is having fellowship with God the Father. When we repent to Him and believe in Jesus, we receive the indwelling Spirit and are said to have a relationship with God. How is spirituality or godliness developed? Godliness is developed by learning how to fellowship with God the Father through the perspective of the Word of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Under this condition, the emphasis isn’t on doing this or that for God but on having a change of mind that will provide us with the proper motivation for the actions that follow. I hope this helps to clarify the differences between legalism and godliness.

For me, this didn’t mean that I had to give up media entertainment in its entirety. I suppose I could have, but remember, we still have to live here on this earth. I don’t believe that we’re to stick our heads in the sand and be oblivious to everything around us. If that were the case, we might as well go somewhere in the wilderness where no one else lives, build a log cabin, and be removed from society. But remember, we’re to be lights that shine in the world and not lights that are taken out of it.

What I needed to do was apply discretion and not just total abandonment of media entertainment. I still watch sports, but simply not as much as I used to. The only sport that I’m devoted to is football, as I watch my favorite team weekly. As far as wrestling goes, I gave this up entirely. I realized that the violent images of men toward men, women toward women, and men toward women, along with the verbal abuse that was scripted from one wrestler to the other, were things that I no longer wanted to see and hear.

Once in a while, I might watch a sci-fi movie. As far as mysteries go, I like series that have a good storyline and, in some cases, are based on true events. I watch the news to keep up with current events both locally, nationally, and internationally. And last, I no longer play video games. I used to like the First of Third Person Shooters, but these engage the mind in a live-or-die mentality.

We could extend this conversation by including some other topics. For example, what kind of clothing is appropriate for Christians to wear? Should a believer abstain from drinking alcohol? Is a Christian allowed to gamble? In our attempts to answer any of these questions, what we need to do is ask ourselves if these decisions inhibit our walk with God or present opportunities to evidence His life and share the gospel.

I hope that what was conveyed helps you in your walk with God. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that we should separate ourselves from everyone and everything in the world. What it does mean is that we should apply the discretion we receive from the Word of God to the choice of our associations, where we go to church, and to the influences of the thoughts and images we allow to enter our minds.

Before we close this chapter, let’s look at a few sections of Scripture in this regard.

   

Colossians 3:2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

We’re commanded to choose to set our affection (mind) on things above (heavenly realities and values), which should be influenced by the presence and power of the risen Christ, and not on earthly realities and values. On which of the heavenly realities and values should our minds be centered? Some might say that if our minds are occupied with these things, then we’ll be of no earthly good. Just because we’re Christians, this doesn’t mean we can’t own a home. Just because we’re Christians, it doesn’t mean we can’t own a car. Just because we’re Christians, it doesn’t mean we can’t have a savings account.

Being a Christian means that we have a new nature, a new mind, and a new perspective about ourselves and others which serves as the catalyst for the Holy Spirit to empower us, guide us, and teach us. As we choose to listen to the transforming Word in the power of the Spirit, we’ll have divine discretion concerning what we should and shouldn’t allow to influence our minds.

    

Next, let’s look at a verse that stresses what we should and shouldn’t sow. Please turn in your Bibles to the Book of Galatians.

 

Galatians 6:8

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

If we’re so entirely devoted to the flesh (to its bodily appetites or natural desires), as to direct all our thoughts to its interests or convenience,⁶²  then we shall receive the physical and moral decay or rottenness that follows sins of the flesh.⁶³ But if we expend thought, time, effort, money, upon the furthering in ourselves and others of the fruit of the Spirit, we shall receive from that Holy Spirit, to whose guidance dwelling within we resign ourselves of that quickening of our whole being, body, soul, and spirit, for an everlasting existence in glory.⁶⁴

As we choose to put on the mind of Christ, the fruit and the guidance by the Spirit will be operative in our lives. Because of this, we can pray to God the Father and request assistance to help us discern what thoughts and images we should entertain and those we shouldn’t.

What else can the Word of God reveal to us about our thoughts? Please go to the Book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 23:7-8                                                           

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

For as a person is in his heart, so is he in action. The [person referred] to here is portrayed as a host, who watches every [morsel his] guest eats, and grudges what [he offers] so liberally.⁶⁵ He estimates his meats and the cost of the entertainment, more than he does you; and is ill at ease if you eat much of his food.⁶⁶ As an application, what we, Christians, think in our hearts will determine what we express in our actions.

And finally, let’s proceed to the Book of James, which provides some interesting insights into the contrasts between worldly and godly wisdom.

James 3:15, 17

James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

If in your thoughts you find yourself contemplating a desire to physically assault someone who has said something that you didn’t like or want to ruin someone’s reputation by making up false stories about them or taking what someone else owns or having sexual relations outside of marriage or going over to someone’s house to hang around with those who are knowingly engaging in addictive behaviors (e.g., alcohol, drugs, pornography, etc.), then what you’re allowing to influence your mind is wisdom not from above. Such wisdom is earthly, sensual (unspiritual), and devilish (demon-like).

James 3:17a But the wisdom that is from above …

If this is your mind’s state, you need an increase of divine influence. This can come through personal study and attentiveness to the gatherings of the saints to hear the Word of God and be impacted by the presence of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, if you notice you’re contemplating thoughts that are centered upon: wanting to see your neighbor respond to the gospel, bringing an unbeliever to a Bible study or church worship, thanking God for your family and all that He has provided you with, asking God to help you address certain areas of weakness, speaking good things to others who have spoken bad things about you, being a witness of Christ by doing good toward those who don’t like you, trying to arrange a home visitation to help those who are enslaved by an addiction, etc., then what you’re allowing to influence your mind is wisdom that is from above.

James 3:17b … is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

These are spiritual thoughts that are described as being pure (free from self-interest), peaceable (helping others settle their grievances), gentle (the kind of attitude that’s tolerant and accepting of other people’s different ways), easy to be entreated (someone who’s always willing to listen to other people’s views and ready to be persuaded), full of mercy (showing compassion to those in trouble and in need), good fruits (exhibiting just, benevolent, and kind actions toward others), without partiality (not being partial toward others), and without hypocrisy (not hiding or concealing anything that’s wrong). If this is the state of your mind, then you’re at a good place in your walk with God.

In the next chapter, we’ll look at a mindset that has caused me much anguish. But before we do, I’d like to leave you with an article that will help us change our thinking from an earthly realm to a heavenly one. Enjoy.

7 WAYS TO CHANGE YOUR WAY OF THINKING

Every serious student of the Word knows the enemy wants to control and direct our thought lives. However, [there’s] someone else undergirding [you, giving] you what you need to keep you from being led astray. Jeremiah 29:11 says:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Now I realize many know this [Scripture,] but I want you to pay particular attention to what I’m about to [say as] this is a life-changing revelation. If you know [it, you] probably need to be reminded of it. If you don’t know [it,] then GET [READY, your] life is about to change. [This] verse says God knows the “THOUGHTS” that HE “THINKS” toward you. I find it interesting to note He didn’t say the thoughts He thinks about you. No, He said, “The thoughts that He thinks toward you.” The Master of [the] Universe is sending thoughts your way. Did you get what I just said? God is sending thoughts your way.

In our daily lives, we’re besieged by thoughts from every [direction, most] of them negative, I might add. A number of studies point out that the average American is exposed to over [three thousand] advertising messages a [day. This includes radio, TV, internet, billboards,] or any other medium that promotes a product, [cause,] or lifestyle. Assuming you sleep eight hours a [day,] that means during the other sixteen hours a [day, you’re] exposed to over 3 ½ advertising messages every minute of the day. During the [year,] you’ll be exposed to 1,095,000 advertising messages. By the way, it grieves me to say that seldom is there an intelligent [commercial. Most] of them are geared to the base, the vain, the [stupid,] and the greedy side of human nature.

Here’s a fact! You can’t have a negative thought and a positive thought at the same [time. Your] brain doesn’t work that way. I want you to write this down. Changing where I am in life right now requires me to change my thought life. Where do you get your information? Who do you listen to?  How do you handle the thoughts that come your way?

Here’s a [five-step] process to help you understand how to change your thought life.

1. Receiving

Are you guarding the thoughts you receive every waking moment of your day? What do you do if they don’t line up with God's thoughts, ideas, [instructions,] and commandments? Do you purposely cast them [down] so they’re not detrimental to your mental and Christian growth?

With all the economic turmoil in the [world, the high unemployment and] the skyrocketing [prices,] millions of people are allowing fear to grip their hearts. Is God wringing His hand in [heaven,] wondering what to do down here? What does the Word of God say about fear? 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Amplified Bible says:

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

The Spirit of fear is combated with [three] heavenly spirits: power, love [and] a well-balanced mind! Purpose in your heart to only receive the right kind of thoughts. Don’t worry. [Pray,] and God will lead you into peace.

2. Analyzing

The second step to taking control of your thoughts is to start analyzing the thoughts you receive. Have you ever had a Kamikaze negative thought and wondered to [yourself] where did that come from? It’s important to understand where unrighteous, [unwholesome,] and negative thoughts come from. Once you identify the source of unscriptural [thoughts,] then you can eliminate, expose and/or reduce the impact of that particular source in your life. 2 Corinthians 10:5 in the Amplified Bible says:

“[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ…”

In order to be successful in everyday [life,] we MUST take captive (make our prisoner) every thought that comes to our minds and analyze it. We compare its obedience (or lack of obedience) to God’s will in our [lives] before we reject or accept it. Colossians 3:15 (AMP) says:

“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds …”

3. Accepting or Rejecting

If you start entertaining a negative or sinful [thoughts, you begin to accept it,] allowing it a place to lodge in your mental hard drive. Remember, when it comes to thoughts…you must either accept or reject them.One of the hardest things for believers to understand is that some of the thoughts, [ideas, and suggestions are from some very well-meaning] family members and friends who may not realize what [they’re] saying is wrong.

If you ever begin to entertain any evil or negative thoughts, [ideas,] and suggestions…then you’re allowing them to build the wrong type of stronghold in your life. 2 Corinthians 10:4 in the Amplified Bible says:

“For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

Strongholds are a collection/grouping of thoughts, [ideas,] and suggestions. If your stronghold is not based in the Word, it will cause you to act on information that is wrong.” When you analyze and reject negative or sinful thoughts…the enemy will be defeated. Jeremiah 48:41 in the New Living Translation says:

“Its cities will fall, and its strongholds will be seized. Even the mightiest warriors will be in anguish like a woman in labor.”

The [Scripture] says the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty for the pulling down of strongholds or anything that does NOT line up with God’s Word. Every believer has the authority to use God’s [Word] to pull down thoughts and ideas the enemy wants to use against you.

4. Replacing

It’s not enough to cast down [imaginations. You] must begin to replace those negative thoughts that you’ve previously had (notice I said previously) [with] truth from the Word of God. The void must be [filled,] and He’s waiting for your response.1 Chronicles 28:9 says:

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”

His desire is for the right kind of thoughts to be in your mind. Right thoughts allow God to manifest good things in your life.

5. Renewing

Romans 12:2 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].”

In the New Living Translation, Romans 12:2 says:

“. . . 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.”

If you want God to transform [you, then] you need to change the way you think. How do you accomplish this task? Philippians 4:8 in the Message Bible provides a powerful insight:

“Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious�"the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”

The bottom [line,] and this should be no surprise…you change your life by casting down [your] imaginations and focusing on the Word of God.⁶⁷

Endnotes

⁶²Calvin.

⁶³Robertson’s New Testament Word Pictures Pc Study Bible version 5, 2005, 12 February 2016 ˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.

⁶⁴The Pulpit.

⁶⁵The Pulpit.

⁶⁶Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown.

⁶⁷Harold Herring. “7 Ways to Change Your Way of Thinking,” 6 April 2023 <https://bit.ly/3nQLCyM>.

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