“Be changed within by a new way of thinking.” Romans 12:2 NCV
WHAT WE consume determines our performance. That’s why you need to be careful what you feed your body, your children, your pets, and even your car. But what you feed your mind is equally important, especially when you consider these two laws that operate in life: (1) The law of cognition. Your thoughts influence your emotions and your behavior. The Bible says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Jesus said a good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit (See Matthew 7:18). In other words, good thinking can’t produce bad results, just as bad thinking can’t produce good results. (2) The law of exposure. The Bible says, “Do not…be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.” You’ll always think about what you are exposed to the most. And given the violence, lust, and greed portrayed by the media, it’s not surprising that crime and immorality are on the rise.
You can’t just say, “I’m going to read this magazine, watch this program, listen to this music, but it won’t affect me.” Social science now confirms what God said all along—it does affect you! Where you go, what you read, (or don’t read), what you watch, and the dreams you entertain all shape your mind. Paul writes, “Remember what Christ taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise” (Colossians 3:16 TLB). So when you need the right mind-fuel, remember: “God whose gracious Word can make you into what He wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need” (Acts 20:32 MSG).
Bible In A Year: Isa 53-57, Luke 3:21-38, Ps 84, Pro 2:16-19
