LISTENING & SPEAKING

"CHRISTIANS SPEND TOO MUCH TIME LISTENING TO THEMSELVES 

& NOT ENOUGH TIME SPEAKING TO THEMSELVES"

We all have thoughts that seem to float through our minds every day.  Sometimes they stick around for a while and start to take root. These stray thoughts usually come from what we are exposed to during the day. (Radio, TV, the "trash" magazines at the check out line in the supermarket, co-workers, friends or family.) Most of the things we are exposed to in a typical day are not particularly "Christian" in nature. 

In Ephesians 6:12 it talks about Satan and his little minions as "the world rulers of this darkness". Any kingdom is directly influenced by it's ruler. As a result all the things in the world around us are produced in an atmosphere of deceit, envy, and selfishness. The input that is programmed into our minds all day by the world that we live in is contrary to the way God does things. This passive "listening " is usually from the background noise of the world.

So what do we do about it? We can't all go live in a monastery. We have to reprogram our minds with the Word of God. Romans 12:2 says that we can "be transformed by the renewing of our minds." Transformed means to change from one thing to another. To change from a mind full of junk that is contrary to God's way, to a mind full of His Word and praise. The Gospel of John says that The Word is Jesus and Jesus is God. We can know God's mind, His will, and His character by reading the Word. 

Stray thoughts are sometimes just that, and sometimes they are little seeds of death planted by the enemy. The battle is not in our mind but, at the threshold of the mind. You can't help the thoughts that are presented to you, but you can choose to stop them before they take root.  2 Corinthians 10:4 & 5 talks about spiritual weapons casting down strongholds, and then immediately talks about casting down vain imaginations, and taking thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Everything good or bad is presented to us through our mind. So we need to be in a position to recognize the bad and take it into captivity, and cast it down before it can take root. If a thought does not glorify God, edify you, or the Church -- cast that sucker down! 

Time to speak to yourself.

Ephesians 5:19 says to "Speak to yourself in psalms, hymns, & spiritual songs". Philippians 4:8 says "think on things that are honorable, good, pure, and of good report". In other words we renew and transform our minds by filling them with the Word of God and with His praise. Notice this stuff is active not passive. Find some time every day to "decontaminate" yourself by washing out your mind with God's Word.

Like the new song we just learned in church "This is not where we belong" give yourself a package from home. Get some worship music and listen to it on the way to or from work to get some of the "grime of the day off" you. When those thoughts come to you, (and they will) start speaking to yourself. Choose to be transformed!

                                                                                                        Pastor Ron