Mind Manipulation and More
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" Philippians 4:8.
How can we as a people be set apart (justified) if we continually allow our minds to be muddled as the unbelievers do with what is observed through watching programmed television?
Paul admonishes us to focus our thoughts on those things in the scripture verse above to edify us and equip us for living among the unjust. Just think of it. Whatsoever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely; these things conjure up thoughts of a very pleasing setting laced with splendor and tranquility. This is in direct opposition to what people are watching on their television sets. How often have you sat in front of the idiot box and made the statement, “There’s nothing worth watching?” If you’re like me, that was a daily declaration.
Our family made that statement for the last time in the year 2000. A commitment was made to God, and for our daughter’s sake, to eliminate the filth of the airwaves from our lives. We have been without network programming in our home now for eight years. What have the Graham’s done without programmed television? Well, we read much more than ever before. We have lots of time to read and study our Bibles. We have accumulated such a vast library of books that we’ve had to buy special bookshelves to hold them all. Our reading materials take up two walls in the Graham home. A side benefit that we’ve reaped is the savings we’ve incurred by not purchasing cable or satellite reception.
How much time we devote to television should give us a good indication on just where our hearts lie. It is so easy to get distracted by outside influences. How can we, as Christians, give little or no thought to those things cited above by the Apostle Paul? I often wonder just how many of us when we return home after Church services take time to discuss with our families what we’ve just heard from our pastor. Or, do we make a beeline to that monster idiot box which is most assuredly Satan’s favorite tool? Without hardly any effort on Satan’s part we’ve forgotten the message we’ve just heard and have substituted a worldly message in it’s place.
How much influence can the Word of God have on our lives with so much programmed television being injected into our brains? We are inundated with such a massive amount of evil that our brains get accustomed and even numbed to the complete depravity that is going on around us. You may not agree with me on this topic, but there are plenty of statistics that prove with overwhelming evidence that people spend a huge portion of their lives glued in front of a blaring television set. Television programming can actually shape a person's mind and influence it to a large degree, and most assuredly slant ones mind toward fleshly desires. There are many things that we believers should never allow into our minds let alone in our children’s minds. Remember, our eyes are the entrance point for Satan to commence his destructive work so he can create a stronghold that can be used to manipulate our actions.
Only by refusing to allow the tripe that is broadcast through the airwaves into our brains can we really reflect on things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely, of good report, of virtue, and of praise. Turn off the televisions and start a regiment of reading, making it a priority in your life. Begin with “In the Beginning God”; the book of Genesis, the first book of the Holy Bible, is a great start to a healthy program of Bible study.
Some people read the Bible completely through in a year. Some read it every year and that’s commendable. Of course we know that just reading the Bible isn’t enough; we must study it, use our concordances, discuss it with others, glean what we can from different Christian writers and their commentaries, and most importantly we must pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and discernment. “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,” 1 Corinthians 2:14.
If you will turn off that box that delivers such filth into your home, and then devote that extra time to reading your Bibles, you can probably get through all sixty-six books of the Bible in just a month or so. We are admonished to be fully familiar with the Word of God, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” 1 Peter 3:15.
All I’m saying is why promote such a conflict of mind and soul? What could be the advantage of reading and studying the Bible, if we are also being bombarded with what Satan is telling us to watch on TV? Two conflicting opposites, the Bible we are admonished to adhere to and the filth we are warned to stay away from. Take your pick.
Victory in Christ
Lastly my family and friends, we are most certainly living in dark times, and I believe that God will soon call an end to the wickedness in this world.
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Bible prophecy is coming to pass right before our very eyes. Only by focusing your eyes on your Bible, instead of on your TV, will you see for yourself with clarity that which our Bible declares of the things that are coming to pass in the last days. Many who study eschatology, which is the study of end times, are assured by the word of God that the Lord is very close to returning for His Church, even at the door.
Jesus said, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28.
“We are to occupy ‘til He comes, and let's not lose sight of our fundamental anchors in a sea of distress:
- God still reigns;
- The Church is still precious in His sight;
- Its mission is still clear;
- Our focus is still Heaven; we are but pilgrims, not "earth-dwellers"; and
- Victory is still certain.”
Dr. Chuck Missler – www.khouse.org
God bless you all,
Ron Graham****If you haven't studied the bible for a while, This would be a good place to start:
CLICK HERE:
| July 2 | Pulling Back the Curtain | Revelation 1 | Jeff Lasseigne |
1 comment:
Your words are so true my friend. In these times of modern technology there is so much to take our minds and thoughts off of God and His word. We must as Christians learn to discipline ourselves. We must learn to put God before everything in our lives. This is a decision we must make and be adament to stick with it. I loved reading your words of truth. God bless you and your family.
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