Our minds are powerful. What we think and the way we think influences our entire lives. It is where we make all decisions.
Yes, every action we take is first “a thought” in our minds. Thus, the sum total of our actions (starting with our thoughts) determines the direction of our lives. Mining our minds is one of the most important things we can do. It requires a strong individual decision coupled with discipline to pay careful attention to what we read, watch and listen to, all of which influence our thinking.
I can give personal testimony to what you allow in…is what comes out. Seven years ago I made a personal decision to pay very close attention and take “CHARGE” of what I listen to, read, and watch. I intentionally watch limited news to the point that I have picked a very trusted friend who gives me news updates on a need to know basis. I learned way before the “fake” news alerts became popular that media was not a good thing for me. Not only do I not trust the news, but I cannot stand the yelling and the bullying which now takes place on TV.
In 2003, Brian Williams lied to the entire nation on the NBC Nightly News when he claimed he was shot down in a helicopter while in IRAQ. It was sickening to me. Of course there is no one, including myself, who hasn’t lied but we are supposed to be able to trust the news. But we cannot.
Thankfully now the normal everyday person has a voice through social media and truth can be called out. The actual helicopter pilot who was shot down called out the blatant lie. Praise God! Even though social media has its downside, it also gives a very powerful voice to keep the once “controlled” media honest.
I also have made the choice to read and study Scripture more than any other reading material. With any supplemental reading material I now “vet” the author. I continually examine who I am listening to. It has become of upmost importance to me. Thank goodness the internet makes it easy for us to do our homework. The internet has also made available some of the best Biblical teaching that once was not available. Very gifted and qualified teachers now have hundreds of podcasts.
NOTE: do not allow that to keep you from being an active member of a church. The local body of Christ is vital to a “significant life!”
In Scripture, when Jesus was being tested, He was asked by an expert in the law, “’What is the greatest commandment in the law?’” Jesus replied, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your MIND. This is the first and greatest commandment'” (emphasis added, see Matthew 22:36-37). The best and most valuable thing we can do in our lives is to put this verse into action and to live a “significant life,” being intentional about “mining our minds” which is where every action is given birth.
If you do any extended studying on the mind, you come to know the subconscious is very powerful. What we continually listen to, “music,” what we “watch” for what we think is “mindless,” relaxing entertainment can be devastating. I could write for days on this subject.
The last thing I will emphasize is that God knows our thoughts. You can read over and over in Scripture where God knew people’s thoughts.
Matthew 12:25, “And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.’”
Mark 2:8, “Immediately Jesus, aware in HIs spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts.’”
We may be hiding our thoughts from others but realize two vital things:
God knows our thoughts (motives).
What we think and the way we think influences our entire lives and the direction it goes. That’s enough, in my opinion, to send a “flare,” an “SOS,” of deciding to protect, to feed, to overhaul what we allow to enter our minds.