Whatever...

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.

Our mind was created to remember. We remember our favorite food, making cookies as a little kid, movies that we love, songs that get stuck in our head; there are some things that we will never forget.
That's why it is so important to only place before our eyes and ears what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. I have friends that frequently watch R rated movies, but never take time to consider what kind of effect that really has on them. Why is that movie R? Because you are watching people have sex? Because the actors are cussing every other word? The more we see and hear sin, the more sin becomes acceptable and okay in our eyes.

Proverbs 4:20-27
My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

What fills our mind determines our actions and words. What about when your parents tell you that you can't go to that party that you really wanted to go to? What will your response be? Well, what have you filled your mind with lately? Secular music, movies, and books that promote sin and rebellion? Or God's Word that tells us to honor our parents and hold them in the highest respect?

Just because we think we are strong and can be around evil things and not let them affect us doesn't mean we are. You are lying to yourself if you think that those things have no impact on your life. Even the strongest Christian has to be careful what they place before their eyes and put into their mind. That's what makes them strong! When you guard yourself against evil, you allow God to cultivate a holy and pure heart within you.
Search your heart; what's in there? Articles from Seventeen? Images of sin in the making? Or whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and whatever is admirable? That is what should consume our thoughts and our mind. Things of excellence, that are worthy of praise. Things that have eternal value; those are worth our attention.

In His Love,
Jessica