I’m going to be real honest with you today………I’m not a fan of negative reality TV, especially the “Real Housewives of…” shows. I have watched a few episodes over the years, just to see what they are about and to form my own opinion, but they sadden me for so many reasons. Today I’d like to encourage you to put off our “old self” and put on your “new self”, to make “new the attitude of your minds,” and to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…”
But how can we do this?
How can we make such a change from our past?
Here are a few suggestions.
1. Be in God’s Word
First, we have to start by paying attention to what we are putting into our minds. What are we feeding our minds and souls? Each day we need to be filling our minds with God’s Word, God’s truth. Just like you need to eat everyday in order to survive, we all need to be in God’s Word daily too. If you start missing meals here and there, your body will start to show the effect of your decision. The same is true for not being in God’s Word. At first those around you might not tell, but just give it some time and eventually the way you treat others, the way you talk, the choices you make will testify to your time in God’s Word. Be good to yourself and those around you and make sure you spend time in God’s Word.
2. Pay attention to your “media diet”
In Matthew 12:34 Jesus says “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” What we allow ourselves to view, listen to and read fills our hearts and minds.
What is in your media diet? Are you watching, listening and reading media that encourages you, speaks truth to you, and challenges you in a good way? How do you feel after “feasting” on your “media diet?” Are you content with what you have? Content with how God made you? Are you more loving toward your spouse and children?
What we fill our minds with eventually comes out. The world feeds us on selfishness. You should have this. You should be treated this way. You should look this way……and on and on. Start paying attention to how you feel after you get done “feasting on your media diet.” If you are feeling down, depressed, grouchy, or edgy…..its time for a diet change. I’m not saying TV is bad……I have a few shows that I like to watch each week too, but I do pay attention to how they affect me.
In the past after watching a certain show I noticed I felt the desire to be more selfish. Thoughts like, “I deserve this or that” or “Next time that so-an-so says that to me, I’m going to say this!”…….not good, not good at all. I noticed I was negatively being influenced watching that show. It was not encouraging me to be more like Christ but rather to be selfish and sassy. Because of the affect the show had on me personally, it had to be cut from my diet.
3. Have an accountability partner
Struggling in a certain area? Ask God to help you find someone you can truly trust, maybe someone in your Sunday school class, and ask them to be your accountability partner. If everyone was honest, we’d all admit we need accountability partners in our lives!
If you are struggling with what you are spending your time doing each day, or how you are talking to your husband or kids, let someone know who loves you and ask them to help you make a change.
4. Memorize scripture
I have Philippians 4:8 on display in my kitchen because of it’s wonderful reminder to me each day.
“…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.”
Feed your mind on God’s truth. Each week take one verse and commit to memorizing it. Fuel your mind with good, noble, pure, lovely and excellent thoughts. You’ll be amazed at the difference this small change can make in your life if you commit to doing it.
5. Don’t give up…….we are ALL a work in progress!
And above all, remember there was only ONE who lived a perfect life…..give yourself grace when you need to. I love this quote and wanted to share it with you today.
“I saw a sign on a strip of highway once that I would like to have copied on my gravestone. It said, “End of construction. Thank you for your patience.”
-Ruth Bell Graham
Challenge: Ask God to help you identify what you are still holding on to from your “old self” and ask Him for courage and help to break free from it.
Source: Roo Magazine & Good Morning Girls
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