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. Philippians 4:8 NIV
We’re all doomed. Turn on the radio or TV. Pick up a magazine or newspaper and I guarantee you will hear or read the latest report of something else that’s bad for us. Sugar promotes tooth decay leading to obesity, but artificial sweeteners can potentially cause cancer and trigger Alzheimer’s disease. There’s the debate between regular and decaffeinated coffee. Too much caffeine can cause irritability, insomnia, and stomach acidity. Decaf can be harmful because of chemical solvents used in the decaffeinating process. It can raise LDL cholesterol levels and may irritate rheumatoid arthritis. And don’t even get me started on the margarine vs. butter vs. buttery spreads controversy.
How is anyone supposed to know what the best things are to put in our bodies? We have to be so careful with our choices just to make sure we are not harming our own health and that of our family. Shopping has become an exercise of wisdom and discernment.
The same concept applies to what we expose to our minds — television, books, and conversations. The average television program or movie can be laced with all sorts of unhealthy additives. Sex, foul language, abusive behaviors, and the glamorization of drugs and alcohol are tossed in like seasoning on a pot roast. A little sex scene here, a few cusswords there, added to make the viewing experience a bit more savory. But is absorbing all of these additives a healthy choice for the mind and soul?
It’s great to enjoy a chat with friends and family, but when the conversation turns to gossip or making jokes at the expense of others, it’s not beneficial or healthy.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he spelled out clearly what they should focus on. Noble things, pure things, admirable things. With these things, they were to fill their minds.
We need to be careful with what we put in our bodies. We also need to choose wisely when it comes to what we put in our minds because those things become a part of who we are. Be an informed consumer. Make wise choices when you go to the grocery store, by all means, but be just as concerned about what you are feeding the mind and soul. After all, our body is a temple.
Karen Oglesby is a writer and a florist. She and husband Gary enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, preferably on a golf course. She also enjoys singing, gardening, preaching, and spending time with her three children and grandson, Dylan. Karen and Gary live in Manhattan, IL.