Did you take the challenge last week to decrease the background noise in your mind and make space for the things above (Colossians 3:2)?
As believers, we should not just allow that space but intentionally fill it with God’s truths. Then, we can actively engage in living out our Christian faith. Remember, we’re in a spiritual battle even if we don’t see it with our human eyes. We might think that we are settled enough in our faith. Are we able, though, to withstand infiltration from sources that don’t align with God? Inch by inch, evil can invade and corrupt our perspective. What entertains our mind will affect what we permit and pursue.
What we are constantly hearing and seeing can either dull our senses to what is bad or sharpen our senses to what is good.
Are we actively conforming ourselves to God and countering ungodliness with God’s truth?
The children’s song “Be Careful, Little Eyes” by C. Herbert Woolston draws attention to the need for believers to stay alert. The lyrics inform us that we are to be careful with what our eyes see, our ears hear, our tongue says, our hands do, and our feet go. Why? Because our heavenly Father is lovingly watching us. The implication is that he knows what is best for us and, because he loves us, wants us to follow that. God gives us ways to stay protected in him and he sets up boundaries for us to be in his goodness.
Have we taken time to acknowledge what God wants to protect us from? He doesn’t just want us to follow his rules because he’s in charge. God, who saved our souls by sacrificing Jesus to pay for our sin, really wants us in communion with him. His abundant love and his incredible power should inspire us to make choices that agree with who he is.
The apostle Peter uses strong words to caution believers: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV). We need to choose to feed our faith with God’s truths, exercise our faith by putting God’s truths into practice, and protect our faith by wearing God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-18).
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Test and prove what pleases the Lord”
(Ephesians 5:8-10 ESV).
With humble and prayerful diligence, we can study God’s truths. By his grace, the Holy Spirit will work in us and God’s words will saturate our heart and mind. He will direct us as we set our mind to honor the Lord and choose to walk in his light.
Set your mind on things above as you study and memorize scriptures using a Heart Training book.