"You brood of vipers, how can you being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart." [Matthew 12:34, NASB]
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." [Phil. 4:8, NASB]
I cannot tell you how many times I have tried to justify to my parents why I'm watching a movie. The movie flashes provocative, yet completely unnecessary sex scenes randomly throughout the movie, and I say, "It's a fact of life. We all know about that." Or when the vulgar, derogatory, and which offensive obscene language fills the sound, I merely say, "I hear it all the time at school or on the streets." Or even when they ask me what is the point of watching something like that, I merely shrug and say "It doesn't effect me at all; it's only a movie."
But I guess, as you mature and grow to understand yourself a little more, you begin to realize just how much the things you decide to fill your head with, really does directly fill your heart. I thought I was immune to the influences of televisions, movies, music, books, and even friends. I thought I was above them. I could say no if I wanted to say no. I could avoid doing something stupid, if I wanted to. I am INVINCIBLE!
But I realize, I am no superhuman. Over the course of the past few days, I decided to do an experiment. I would limit the movies I watched or television. I would change the music I listened to. And I would alter the way I spent my time. Instead of listening to the music I thought didn't affect me, I switched it out with worship music, or the contemporary Christian "rock" music most people seem to be opposed to now a days. Nevertheless, I wanted the focus of the music to be on Christ and our relationship with Him. I limited my movie viewing to once a week (as opposed to the 6-10 movies a week before). And I did the taboo - I deactivated my Facebook *shudder*.
This left me with some free time (okay, I admit, too much, but that's how I'm starting to find other productive things to do with my time). I get bored throughout the day, and instead of turning to one of the worthless movies, I read Scripture. When I find myself at a loss of what to do, I read Scripture. But I have found something throughout this time as well -- my days aren't filled with as much negativity.
My perspective, or rather, outlook on everyday things has changed. My attitude about things has changed. I really have no idea how to describe it, but there is a "peace that passes understanding." My speech has began to change. The things I think about are different. And more importantly, I'm learning more and more to find my contentment in Christ. Do I regret deleting loads of music off my computer? No, not really. (it was hard at first, but the benefit! Oh what great peace!) Do I regret not watching this movie or that movie? No, what eternal value did they have (plus, spending the time in God's word was so much more productive and fruitful). Do I regret deactivating my Facebook? A little, to be honest. It was the only way to keep up with some friends, but in the end, I am hit with the reality of HOW MUCH time I waste on a site reading meaningless statuses. (and it's only been one day). I pray that it will get easier, because it's hard. But I have to consider, would I rather fill my mind with the things of this world or with the things of God? "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." [Matt. 6:21]
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