Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Whether it is the latest Netflix series, the songs on the radio during our daily commute, or our social media feed, we are constantly surrounded by content competing for our attention.
The media we consume pervades our thoughts and can reinforce certain principles in our lives—positive and negative. The Bible teaches us to hold each thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). When we begin to follow this teaching, we learn how easily our thoughts and actions are shaped and influenced by what we’re giving our attention to.
When we allow our minds to be captivated by things that are unholy, violent, lustful, or promote sin, then temptation can set in and distract us from our walk with Christ and our relationships with others. We must be careful where we focus our attention, ensuring that it is on the Kingdom of God rather than the things of this world.
2 Timothy 2:22
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
In this passage, the apostle Paul gives us some wisdom that is still relevant today and applicable to every area of our lives, including the content we consume. As followers of Jesus, we have the responsibility to examine our hearts and thoughts. We are instructed to cleanse ourselves of unholy things and replace them with righteous ones.
As you go about your day, consider, “What is this content promoting?”
I have found it helpful to be mindful of the message that is being imparted. Is that show promoting good morals, such as loving others and doing good, or does it promote violence or immorality? Is that music uplifting, or does it leave you feeling depressed or unfulfilled?
These are just some of the questions we can ask ourselves to discern whether what we’re consuming is adding to our walks with Christ or distracting us from it.
Moving forward, commit to filling your life with more wholesome and godly content.
Questions:
How can you discern whether the content you consume is godly?
How does what you consume affect your relationship with God?
Next Steps:
Examine the content that you consume and let go of anything that promotes sin or temptation.
Pray for discernment over the content that you consume, asking God for wisdom on what will positively influence your relationship with him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thanks for the wisdom that you give me throughout your word. Help me apply it to my life and rid myself of anything that is unholy, including the content that I consume. Give me discernment on whether this content is adding or subtracting from my life. Please guide me to material that positively impacts my relationship with you and others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Today’s post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.
Do You have the gift of creative communication? Do you want to help other’s grow spiritually and get to know God better. The LivingItOut is looking form people who love too write. And if you spotted the errors in this paragraph and they drove you crazy, we’d love to talk to you about editing or proofing. To learn more about joining the LIO team, please email lio@cedarcreek.tv .