Word of God Wednesday: Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Agh. These are SUCH a convicting passages for me. In fact, I've recently been highlighting lots of passages that convict me in hopes that it will allow me to air my dirty laundry, hold me accountable, and also encourage me to "stay the course" (“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.” Psalm 119:33 MSG)

But these, well, I really didn't want to use them...because, when I write them out for all to see, I am really also asking to be held responsible to make sure I'm adhering to the Word.

I love to get caught up in TV shows, blogs, and even magazines that are full of drama. As a ho-hum-SAHM, my life is pretty tame which is why, I think, I find it fun to watch or read things that portray a glamorous, maybe even "spicy", over-the-top-dramatic, lifestyle.

Pathetic, maybe. A guilty pleasure, perhaps. Something I (see note below)* should be watching or reading...uhh, according to Philippians 4:8, definitely not.

Busted.

But oh how much I want to watch it and read about it! Drama is so fun and adds excitement to my life! It is also really addicting. I've found that, if I don't start watching a certain show, I never miss it and i'll look back and think, wow, why was I wasting my time on that!? So inconsequential (not to mention, unwholesome)!

And because, even now, my mind is rationalizing a way to be able to continue watching my favorite shows (everyone is doing it! it can't hurt! then I can stay up on the latest "news"! etc.), I am reminded of Romans 12:2:

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

So, to recap, instead of filling my mind with pure crud, I need to renew my mind by thinking about and studying what is pure and excellent in God's eyes, not the world's.

*(note below:) I think it is important to tell you why I think I should not be watching/reading this stuff. 1) As a Christian, I am held to a moral standard written in God's Word (ie keep your heart and mind pure) 2) i fall into the trap of "seeing is believing" while most others, including Christians do not. Most people are probably not as affected by worldly affairs as I am so if these things are not a stumbling block for you, awesome! If neither 1 nor 2 apply to you, don't worry!

Well, there you have it. Thanks for listening to me counsel myself.