Sacredness of Mind and Heart

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2

“Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.” – Psalms 26:2

“Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” – Matthew 22:37

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7


No one can deny the connection with what enters your mind and the things that are placed in your heart. We’ve all watched a movie that was so moving that when it was over, our hearts felt it. “Schindler’s List”, “The Notebook”, and “The Passion of Christ” are three that I think of now that I have to say impacted my heart for days.

There’s a children’s song that say:

“Oh be careful little eyes what you see, Oh be careful little eyes what you see,
For the Father up above is looking down in love, Oh be careful little eyes what you see!”

We must be careful of the things we put in front of ourselves and our children. As Christians our minds and hearts are to belong to Christ. We cannot be spiritually minded if we are continually influenced by the violence, sex, and worldly values put in front of us by the media.

Let me give you some shocking statistics:

• 74% of school age children play video games, but only 48% of those surveyed have parents who supervise their gaming. 89% of those games sold contain violence. (www.safeyouth.org)
• ABC's Desperate Housewives is the most popular broadcast-network television show with kids aged 9-12 according to Nielsen stats.(www.parentstv.org)
• Average time kids spend watching TV each day: 4 Hours (www.parentstv.org)
• Number of hours per day that TV is on in an average U.S. home: 6 hours, 47 minutes (A.C. Neilson Co.)
• Children spend more time watching television than in any other activity except sleep. (Huston and Wright, University of Kansas. "Television and Socialization of Young Children.")
• On July 26, 2000, the American Health Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry signed a Joint Statement on The Impact of Entertainment Violence on Children stating that: "Viewing entertainment violence can lead to increase in aggressive attitudes, values and behavior, particularly in children. It's effects are measurable and long lasting. Moreover, prolonged viewing of media violence can lead to emotional desensitization toward violence in real life." (www.lionlamb.org)
• Number of murders seen on TV by the time an average child finishes elementary school: 8,000 (A.C. Neilson Co.)
• Number of violent acts seen on TV by age 18: 200,000 (A.C. Neilson Co.)
• In a sample of programming from the 2001-2002 TV season, sexual content appeared in 64% of all TV programs. (www.parentstv.org)
• Party of Five - lesbian writing instructor kissing another women in prime time. Friends - lesbian couple raising a child. Chicago Hope, ER, Spin City, The Simpsons, Suddenly Susan and Mad About You all features gay, lesbian and/or transgender relations during prime time viewing. Do we see what is happening? They are simulating real life situations and using respectable characters to play those rolls. "When a teen see Jack (gay character) on "Dawson's Creek" portrayed as well-loved, talented and accepted, it sends a strong message that he can be those things as well as a gay person." GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) got an email message from a 14-year-old boy who decided to come out after watching "Dawson's Creek." Jack, on the show, comes out with the support of friends and family members. Even his former girlfriend is understanding." (http://www.centurionministry.com/)
  

This is scary stuff, huh?

Romans 12:2 states that we are to be TRANSFORMED rather than to CONFORM to this world. Now, here’s the question: How many hours per day to you spend watching television as compared to reading your Bible? Think about it. How can your mind be TRANSFORMED if you’re being bombarded and overloaded with the sex, violence, and profane content of television and media? It won’t happen.

Here’s another question: If God were to look into your heart today, what remnants of the media’s effect on your heart would he see? Have you been desensitized to the pains of the homeless by seeing them on TV? Are you non-complacent when you see someone addicted to drugs and alcohol? Do you find yourself not as “shocked” when you see gay or lesbian couples as you once were? Psalms 26:2 says for God to examine our hearts, but today, I doubt we really want Him to do that.

Philippians 4:7 says that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This is the blockade we place on our hearts and minds! If your heart and mind are filled up with the peace of God, which is received by close fellowship with Him through prayer and reading the Bible, then nothing else will be able to penetrate.

Christians need to take ownership of their hearts and minds. They are private property – bought and paid for with the blood of Christ. Put up a “No Trespassing” sign when you encounter the evils of this world! Don’t let your mind be infiltrated by Satan’s media. What goes into the mind will land in the heart!