Ancient Words For Today - 21
Computer programmers developed the saying, "garbage in, garbage out", referring to the garbled, useless or inaccurate computer output that results from data we have entered that is flawed or corrupted. It is interesting how our minds work very similarly to a computer. Through our various senses, we take in data which our mind analyzes. This data input comes through the things we see and hear, events we see personally or on television, in movies and other media, or experience in other ways. These inputs influence the things we think and talk about, the activities we seek after, plan and often carry out through our actions. Our thoughts are very powerful, and to a great extent, they dramatically influence who and what we become, what decisions we make, the directions we take in life, and ultimately where we will spend eternity.
The Bible has much to say about our minds and the consequences of the things we think about. Paul warned the church at Rome that those who leave God out of their thoughts, begin to follow a downward spiral of thoughts and actions leading to a dismal end: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Romans 1:28-32
It is crucial therefore, that we carefully screen our mental input so as to guard our minds from that which is garbage, corrupt and evil, and think rather on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy as Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8. Consider also the following important verse that is applicable to Christians:
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1Cor 2:12-16
In other words, when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, and receive the new spiritual birth from our Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit of God comes to live inside of us and communicates with us through an upgraded operating system. Let's call it the New Birth MOC - Mind Of Christ operating system. The MOC version is able to receive, analyze, understand and respond to spiritual things (which the old operating system was incapable of doing). For us to realize and experience the full power and potential of the MOC system, we need to provide it with a steady input of spiritual data. We do this by reading, thinking about and applying the instructions provided in the operating manual; that is, the Bible, the Word of God. Spiritual input also enters our minds when we listen to thought provoking Bible-based sermons, communicate and interact with fellow believers, and most importantly, when we carefully maintain and utilize our direct input/output interface channel with God Himself, through our prayers and communion time with Him.
Finally, remember to filter all input to avoid bogging down the MOC operating system with worthless or corrupted information and keep the virus scan program running at all times and updated with new virus definitions so that you will be able to effectively detect, quarantine and destroy any non-spiritual input that would be harmful to your MOC system.
God bless you as you explore and enjoy the amazingly wonderful and fruitful Spiritual world He has made available to you.