Are Your Thoughts Truly Your Own?
You could be influenced by your environment more than you realize…
Reading some of the comments and views from across social media regarding the past election, I was shocked and saddened by the amount of vitriol and misinformation being shared among our citizens on opposite sides of the spectrum. Even more shocking were the comments that suggested that anyone with opposing views was worthy of violence, or worse.
As a nation, it seems that many of us have lost our love and respect for each other. We’re so adamant about being right, about being on top, about getting our way, that we fail to see the truth about what’s actually happening around us. And within us.
“An angry man opens his mouth and shuts his eyes”
We’re subtly being led down a dark path keeping us in a state of pride, ignorance, and confusion. We’re being led to be angry over things that don’t really matter in this life.
Social media is an immense part of the problem. We’re consistently fed useless information to keep us complacent and disconnected from what’s really going on in the world. This is why many of us have no true respect for those who disagree with our views.
Why do topics like sexual orientation, the pursuit of riches, capsule wardrobes, or “what I eat in a day” videos supersede the needs of the poor, widowed, or plight of countries ravaged by war?
We’re disconnecting from each other. Some of us lack true love and empathy for our fellow man. Being constantly entertained has made us all numb to the feelings and concerns of others.
We’re indeed living in the last days as foretold by Jesus and the prophets….
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold”
The national news media, in particular, has been effective in sowing lies, disunity, fear, worry, doubt, anger, violence, and discord across the nation. Though the news can be an effective way to stay connected to what’s happening in our world, I've seen several instances through the years where the media outright fabricated news stories strictly for entertainment. Simply to get a reaction. With little regard for how this may affect our well-being as a nation.
It’s imperative that we thoughtfully consider and research the information we receive from these outlets, especially before we share it with others. Our heavenly Father warns us against disseminating false information, which falls under lies, gossip, and slander, which are all sins (Exodus 20:26, Proverbs 25:18). Part of the reason for the recent arguments and discord among our citizens is due to misinformation and lies by our media gurus. Very few of us stop to consider whether something is true or not before reacting.
While we mercilessly argue and fight one another over frivolous issues, the media comfortably sits back and watches, waiting for more opportunities to keep us distracted, disconnected, and misinformed. It makes for great television. More viewership means more money and power. And control over the overarching narrative, which means more control over YOU.
Let’s take a moment for some introspection:
Are your thoughts truly your own?
How much of what you think or believe is actually emanating from your own unique experiences, perceptions, and natural inclinations?
Were you one of the many who wrote hurtful online posts/comments or engaged in arguments with others? If so, why?
How do you know you’re not being coaxed into a certain way of thinking by those with ulterior motives?
Are your views or actions more in line with the world, or with our heavenly Father’s teachings?
We are all surrounded by too much noise; Whether it be YouTube, TikTok, or various news outlets, the things that we consume affect our thoughts and actions, good or bad. And this “pollution” has the power to affect how we treat or react to our brothers and sisters in this world.
Why do we feel inclined to be angry and violent toward someone who disagrees with us?
Because we’re being led to do so. And the prince of this world pulls the strings to ensure that we stay in the dark about his power to deceive. The evil one wants us to continue to destroy each other (John 10:10), whether through physical violence or our hurtful words, but this is not the way of the righteous. This is not the way of God (James 1:20).
Our heavenly Father invites us to keep our eyes on Him at all times and to live in compassion, love, and forgiveness with our neighbors (family, friends, acquaintances, strangers) as much as possible (Romans 12:18, James 1:19).
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live at peace with all men”
So, how do you protect your mind from evil in this world?
Here’s a little experiment for you to try:
Set aside a week and limit or avoid the TV, reduce using your computer, or refrain from using your phone. Avoid social media. For one week.
Free from all the pollution, you may begin to see a difference in how you think and feel. You may find that your perceptions about the world may begin to change. Your awareness may sharpen. Your vision of reality may become crystal clear.
If you extend this media break beyond a week, your spirit may become lighter. You may even begin to commune with God more efficiently and begin to hear His still, small voice within.
Pray for the ability and wisdom to deflect negative and destructive media.
We must all do our best to continually protect and renew our minds (Romans 12:2). A balanced and abundant life involves ridding ourselves of the practices and thoughts of this world that lead to evil and darkness, in favor of righteous behaviors and practices that lead to life. True?
Live in love (1 Corinthians 16:14)
