Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
Let today’s devotion be very practical. What do we fill our minds with during the day? Sure we may read God’s Word in the morning, pray at meals and before we go to bed. But, what do we think about during the day?
In my experience, especially during lockdown, apart from school work, my mind has been set on Youtube, Instagram and entertainment. Of course, there is nothing wrong with these platforms. However, when I reconsider what I am putting into my mind, it is far from being true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable and excellent. On the contrary, it is carnal, worldly, dishonouring, unjust, impure, and of the flesh.
Worldly people will think in worldly ways. When we give large amounts of our time to consume their content, whether Youtube videos, Netflix, Tiktok, and Instagram posts, we allow their worldly thoughts to influence us. Their man-centred thoughts and man-honouring thoughts will inevitably become ours. They take us away from a mind set to glorify God and live from Him.
To stay away from these things is very hard. By nature, we are sinful, and our flesh desires the world. In lockdown, with all the time we have, it only becomes even more challenging. However, if we are serious about following God, we must fight against our addictions to the media, which only serves to dirty our minds.
I recently read about Jim Elliot. In his college days, he would begin his day in the Old Testament. At noon, he would meditate and pray the Psalms, and at night, he would dive into the New Testament. Moreover, during the day, he would take every spare minute to memorise God’s Word or pray. He always carried around prayer cards and memory verse cards. Some of his friends even called him unsociable because often, Jim would isolate himself and spend his lunchtimes in prayer rather than with his friends.
Another story I have recently read is George Whitefield’s story. He was one of the greatest evangelists in the world. He would preach to multitudes three to four times a day. God’s Word was always in his head, and he walked closely with God every second. For Whitefield, he resolved to make sure that within fifteen minutes of any conversation, he would tell the other person about the goodness of Christ.
If we want to be used by God, then our minds must be cleansed. They must be renewed to think in holiness from a new gospel perspective. Our minds will never be renewed unless we practice it unless we replace our carnal thoughts with the glorious thoughts of God’s Word.
Often we fail because we lie to ourselves that God’s Word won’t give us the satisfaction or refreshment that our entertainment will. However, Paul assures us that if we practice these things, the God of peace will be with us. Who can give us greater peace and contentment other than the God of peace Himself?
Will you commit with me to cleanse our minds and use our spare moments in the day to think about worthy things?
Lord, please forgive us for our love for worldly thoughts. Forgive us for thinking that when our fleshly desires are satisfied, we will feel content and refreshed. Please cleanse our minds and help us to set our minds on heavenly things. Plant in us a perspective of reality the way You see it. We want to be used by You and live for You. Please continue to sanctify us for the sake of Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.