INPUT/OUTPUT
by Karyn Brinkmeyer
Philipians 4:8 “for the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your mind on them].
A very special friend replies to me often, “With you, it’s always an adventure!” Such was the case on this particular rehearsal day when another friend and I went searching for new Christmas music. Time was short and we had to make our final decisions. This was in the day when one could find a Christian Book store and listen to accompaniment tracks on CD players provided. So, we each had a stack of CDs to listen to and each had a head-set. When one of us found a song we liked, we’d ask the other to listen. Suddenly, I was having difficulty. My CD player had gone “bazerkk!” No matter how hard I tried, I could not get my music to turn down. It was embarrassing to have the music so loud that people could hear it in the store! I told Jen, “I don’t know what happened… My CD player isn’t working right.” She replied back to me “Mine isn’t either I keep pushing the volume button, but I can’t get the music to play loud enough to hear it!!” I wondered what was wrong! Jen looked down at the floor… and was soon rolling on the floor!! Somehow, we had gotten our headsets crossed!! I was actually listening to Jen’s CD and she to mine! She was controlling MY volume and I was controlling hers!! You can imagine… we just couldn’t stop laughing!
So, WHO’s in control of your headset?? Your spiritual headset, that is. You know… the one that continually pumps thoughts into your mind.
Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think on things that are honorable & true—things that are worthy of praise and virtue. The Amplified version says to “FIX our minds” on these things. It’s not always easy to stop meditating on things that steal our joy, or that are ungodly or make us anxious– but it Is possible or God would not have asked us to do it. Perhaps we’ve given the “controls” to others or to social media or to television, or to the music and thoughts of our secular world. But we must be discerning. Just because it’s spoken or in print does not make it true or worthy to ponder. Test each idea with God’s Word, the Bible. Really listen. If it doesn’t measure up—move it out! You will find that you can hear the voice of Holy Spirit much better that way.
Father: Are You pleased with the thoughts I allow into my mind? I take time now to listen. Show me, Holy Spirit what hurts Your heart and what makes You smile.
What is the Lord revealing to you? ____________________________________________________
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