It is a common scene, as anyone who enters parks, malls, waiting halls of railway stations, or airports could observe thousands of people staring at their smartphones. Most of them are just scrolling, 300-400 feet a day with their fingertips. Some with earbuds on are watching videos – shorts, funny videos, or movies. All of them are passive consumers and not discerning users. “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. (Proverbs 15:14)
Digestive system: In the digestive system, the food consumed is dissolved, then energy contributors are separated and carried to all parts of the body by the blood circulation system. The rest is discarded as waste by the kidneys and other parts of the drainage system. This happens unconsciously, a person neither knowing the process nor the progress.
Digestive system for thoughts? There is no automatic digestive system for thoughts to separate good thoughts and wicked thoughts. Hence, thoughts have to be evaluated, examined, and let into the mind.
Followers or redeemers? Most people follow the trends, traditions, fashions, patterns, rituals, and customs of the world. But Paul exhorts disciples to renew their minds by redeeming their thoughts with Scriptural truths and not to become slaves of worldly wisdom. (Romans 12:1, I Corinthians 3:19)
Filters: It is essential to filter and stop many things that go into the mind through social media and smartphones. First, there is a need for discernment. Spiritual discernment helps to identify the hidden traps by Satan, which dull the mind, and sap the energy of a believer. Second, is Determination. Job made a covenant with his eyes, not to look at women with evil intention. (Job 31:1) Daniel resolved not to eat the king’s food, which was dedicated to idols. (Daniel 1:8) Third, is to deny access of our mind to all the wicked tools that could destroy a disciple’s spiritual life. Four, delete all the old, ungodly, unbiblical, and unworthy ideas and opinions from the mind.
Do I filter what gets into my mind to lead a holy life?