Whatever things are good…think on these things
As we look around in our modern-day society it is easy to see the many “things” drawing for our attention: video games, movies, apps, jobs (promotions), videos, sports, grades, our appearance. The list goes on an on, and this world continues to bombard us with the things we “should” be obsessed with. Commercials on tv, billboards, posters…endless distractions for things we never knew we needed.
It is in this world that we find ourselves. A world where we need to learn two words, “No” and “Focus”. Why these two words? We must be individuals who begin to say no to more things. In a world that is creating new things faster and advertising quicker we need to be able to discern the difference between what we want and what we need. And we must focus on the things that are really important.
Throughout the stories of the Bible, as well as our own lives, we see and know the futility of consumerism and lust. It is a trap that leads to nowhere, and when you arrive there is still has that empty void that needs to be filled. One quick example, Salomon (check out the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible) was the wisest and richest person in the entire Bible and, on top of that, he was also King of the country of Israel. Despite everything he had the ability to enjoy, build, create, accomplish and the many pleasers he experienced at the end of his life he still said, “It was a chasing after the wind.” Jonathan’s translation…“you can never catch permanent happiness and fulfillment.” So if there is no hope in finding lasting joy here where can we find it?
Colossians 3:2 Says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” We must focus and create a tunnel vision, if you will, of what is important. What would that be?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
~Philipians 4:8
As I have read through various books this fundamental quote comes back again and again, “Your beliefs are a product of your thoughts, your thoughts create your beliefs, your beliefs create your convictions, your convictions create your attitude, your attitude controls your perception, and your perception dictates your behavior.”
If we focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy then we will be people whos “fruit” will be that of the Spirit of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23
Self-control is a big issue these days, but for example, if you have a spirit of lust. You are not only sinning against Jesus himself but you are taking your mind away from what is good and right and there in wasting precious moments of growth. Not only does lust rob you of the opportunity to be one with the Spirit of God (and move you away from your identity), but it robs the other person of their value as a creation of God as well. If you are objectifying another human being you are not looking at that person as a person created by God but are only aware of how that person could benefit your desires. Let us take one more quick look here, if we look back up at Galatians 5:22-23 for a second we will see that selfishness is really the opposite of love and a lack of self-control.
One thing I know as a man is that we want to be in control, but I need to ask, if you cannot control where you look and what you desire are you really in control? Do you want to be in control? When God created this world He looked at the sea and said, “You can come this far but no frother” and that God has given us that same authority over our minds and hearts. Talk to Jesus, and focus on those things that are good in the eyes of the creator (Philippians 4:8). Only then can you really be the strong warrior that you have been called to be.
As you begin to refocus your life this way you will begin to see that the “needs” that you once desired were never really what you needed but were distractions to keep you from accomplishing God’s perfect and powerful will for your life. So may you stay focused and through the power of the Holy Spirit say “no” to distractions vying for your time. As the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:1b-2 “…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Blessings
Care. Equip. Share. 