There is a saying that says, “you are what you eat.” Which is true but some affects us now and some does not necessarily affect us for a while. There are both recent and long term factors to consider. And while there is much to be found about this topic in regard to the human body, this article will address the mental and spiritual aspect of this concept.
Consider this parable. Two children have the same parent. This parent tells them both that they are stupid and worthless. One child takes it in and accepts it. For the rest of his life, he feels and believes that he is stupid and worthless. The other child, refuses to receive it. And considers his own worth and skills, and goes on to be quite successful in most aspects of his life. What happened? One “took it in” and the other “rejected it” This is a simple example of what we allow ourselves to “take-in” (or not) can really affect us.
It seems like one cannot go anywhere without hearing about how to eat better to be more healthy or to exercise in some manner to be more physically fit or learn of some new pill, drink or special way to live longer. But how much consideration and attention is given to our spiritual health and inner-man?
We are all born with certain propensities that we all have in common such as our basic physical and emotional needs. We all start out at “square 1” - but from there, we all develop our basic (and yet unique) selves and all uniquely assimilate what we gather in (or reject) from the world around us. We process and build upon what we take in from the places we each uniquely live in. Sometimes we are even “driven” toward or away from major influences.
There are so many factors of influence. From our beginnings, we have immediate family with parents, siblings, extended family, people and friends in the neighborhoods we live in, churches, schools and other places of activity such as sports, clubs, learning to play instruments, hobbies etc. and eventually work, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses and the families that are formed by us (of course there are exceptions). And these listed are just some of the many influences. Life is full of varied influences. Television, radio, books, friends, social media, gaming, facets via the internet and more are all around us.
We know that we cannot help what other people do in life or the choices they make. And sometimes we cannot help how their choices and actions affect our own circumstances. But what we can do, is guard how we are personally affected. There is a saying that says, “guard your gates.” We have ear-gates and eye-gates. The mouth and nose are also gates. I believe we also have mental and spiritual gates. All the influences around us can affect our circumstances but what matters most is how we receive and assimilate things in our inner-man.
What we often do not realize is that whatever we have “taken in” is what is fueling us. Sometimes we are actually being fueled by previous experiences of rejection, hurt, sadness, hate, etc. The positive solution to negative influence is to filter it all with the Lord and His Word so that we can turn what would have been negative and destructive around for good. Whatever we allow ourselves to receive and however we assimilate it – for better or worse, is what fuels and drives us.
As we live our lives, we are literally taking in all that we encounter and we are built up or pushed down and lots of in-between. Every one of us are the direct result of whatever we have taken in and assimilated. How important it is to know the Lord and be grounded in His Word to be able to filter all that we encounter and assimilate (and even re-filter the past)!
So what is really directing and fueling you and I?
Just like the human body feeds on food daily, so does our inner-man. And just as the human body is the result of our previous diet and exercise, so is our inner-man.
Let's take a closer look at world around us that we are possibly being influenced by and taking in:
Music and song are some of the most “subtle entrances” to the inner-man that there is. For most, when it comes to music, one's guard is not usually up and the beat and music itself may be very appealing while the words may or may not be good for us. How much of the non-Christian songs that are popular today are anywhere near godly? Most of it is about sex and all manners of sex. Some is about violence, drinking and carousing. If the music and songs we are listening to are not drawing us closer to God, then the odds are overwhelming that it is taking us further from Him.
As a Christian, this is critical. What comes in through our ear gates affects a huge part of us; knowingly or unknowingly. If we listen to secular music, then that is part of what we are feeding on. While some of it is not sinful, it can still be like the equivalent of eating cardboard and not very nutritious mentally and spiritually at all. There is a verse in Proverbs that says:
Another verse in the New Testament says:
The music and song (that we make and hear), education (books, video, audio), news & entertainment (of all kinds) are all part of “the company” we keep.
If we choose to listen to Christian music and song, instead of what the world offers, it will build us up instead of tear or drag us down and even draw us closer to God. There is literally strength for our souls in Christian music. Christian praise music is literally encouraging. Christian worship music not only glorifies God but gives deep strength to the worshiper. This is where the living water really flows.
If we will stop and think about it, the times that we are more frustrated and sin easier are the times that we are more spiritually dehydrated. And the times that we are stronger and more victorious, are the result of being hydrated with living water! Being hydrated in the Lord is not just for Sundays, we need to be hydrated in Him every day!
Our inner-man literally feeds on what it hears. If we are fighting depression or already depressed and we listen to music and song that is depressing, we all know what happens. We get more depressed. This is because we did not feed our inner-man what it needed. What we need is God's solution to depression; which means giving it to Him and choosing to trust in Him for the solution. We must let the Lord and His Word truly direct us. We must praise Him and pray through the hard times if we want to have a victorious life.
Not only does faith come from hearing but so does doubt. If we are wise about what we hear and allow in, we can become so much stronger. If we allow negativity and doubt in, it will certainly affect us in bad ways.
Notice in the following verses “what the Bible says is healthy” to have going on in our minds:
The Holy Spirit, by way of Paul, is giving us the recipe for a healthy inner-man. And he added: and “the God of peace” will be with you. There is no real peace outside of God's will. People may find temporary peace in their circumstances but it can in no way compare to the peace of God that comes from Him and in living by His direction. God's will for us is what is good for us; to be blessed and in one accord with Him. His way is not the broad way of the world but the narrow path which can be quite challenging. But how great it is for us as for Christians to have the Lord lead the way and even be our literal strength and shield! Nothing can compare to His direction in our circumstances and the blessings that come from obedience.
Beside music and song, all secular media such as television, movies, gaming and the many forms of media via the internet can be subtle pitfalls. If we are feeding our inner-man with much of the available programming, what are we feeding ourselves with? What are we allowing ourselves to be programmed with? How can watching avenues that promote sex outside of marriage, lying, cheating, homosexuality, drinking, course and often lewd language & behavior and perhaps even smoking or taking drugs help anyone? People that “subtly take in” immoral ways, into their inner-man cannot help but be directly affected by it.
Gaming, in which killing people happens over and over with better and better tactics and skills does not promote love, peace, joy or even godly self-control. Many forms of gaming (and other mediums too) subtly lead children and even adults into witchcraft and even promiscuity by the various types of formats used. We must ask ourselves as we make choices daily: How does this this activity affect my inner-man? Is this something the Lord is enjoying enduring with me as I, as a Christian, am a temple of the Holy Spirit? Will it draw me closer to or further away from God?
Many of the various forms of media even lie. Without the discernment of the Holy Spirit and seeking to live in the truth of God's Word, we can easily fall prey to the multitude of potential subtle tricks and lies from the enemy. The devil does not usually show himself in his true colors. Who would believe him then? He usually comes subtly and in favorable seeming ways.
From the beginning, “being subtle” was and is his forte`.
How many influences in our lives have come masquerading? We must guard ourselves! It is the oldest trick in the book, to come with a pleasing way that has a hidden hook and pitfalls in it.
We must choose our friends wisely. We oftentimes cannot help who we work with but we can choose who we allow in our inner circles and who we take advice from. If we want to be wise, godly and happy it certainly stands to reason to surround ourselves with people that are wise, godly and happy! There is such strength in making godly choices which in turn, helps us receive and assimilate all that we encounter for the betterment our mental and spiritual well-being!
Choosing Jesus Christ and being born-again is just the beginning of a new life in Christ! We become born-again in our spirits but our minds (and lives) must be reprogrammed with Jesus as true Lord!
Concluding thoughts.
We need to take the time and seriously study the Bible and use it to filter all that we encounter daily as well as re-filter the past. And also deliberately choose to have more quality time with the Lord, taking more time to pause and refresh ourselves in Him, which really fuels and strengthens our inner-man.
Also, we need to take more time to pray and listen for the Lord's direction throughout each day. We need to choose very carefully what we listen to, watch and read eliminating as much ungodly and unhealthy influences as possible and replace them with more godly, beneficial choices. This will definitely result in fueling our inner-man in the best ways possible which is essential to having a happier and more victorious life.
If we desire to be all that God wants us to be and see His plans fulfilled in our lives, we must guard ourselves with all that we encounter and make wise choices in all that we allow in! Everything we are now and will be in the future, completely depends on it!!
Bible verses for thought:
Romans 12:9-21 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Ephesians 6:18 ... praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.Philippians 4:4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits."
John 8:31-32 "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge...
Consider this parable. Two children have the same parent. This parent tells them both that they are stupid and worthless. One child takes it in and accepts it. For the rest of his life, he feels and believes that he is stupid and worthless. The other child, refuses to receive it. And considers his own worth and skills, and goes on to be quite successful in most aspects of his life. What happened? One “took it in” and the other “rejected it” This is a simple example of what we allow ourselves to “take-in” (or not) can really affect us.
It seems like one cannot go anywhere without hearing about how to eat better to be more healthy or to exercise in some manner to be more physically fit or learn of some new pill, drink or special way to live longer. But how much consideration and attention is given to our spiritual health and inner-man?
We are all born with certain propensities that we all have in common such as our basic physical and emotional needs. We all start out at “square 1” - but from there, we all develop our basic (and yet unique) selves and all uniquely assimilate what we gather in (or reject) from the world around us. We process and build upon what we take in from the places we each uniquely live in. Sometimes we are even “driven” toward or away from major influences.
There are so many factors of influence. From our beginnings, we have immediate family with parents, siblings, extended family, people and friends in the neighborhoods we live in, churches, schools and other places of activity such as sports, clubs, learning to play instruments, hobbies etc. and eventually work, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses and the families that are formed by us (of course there are exceptions). And these listed are just some of the many influences. Life is full of varied influences. Television, radio, books, friends, social media, gaming, facets via the internet and more are all around us.
We know that we cannot help what other people do in life or the choices they make. And sometimes we cannot help how their choices and actions affect our own circumstances. But what we can do, is guard how we are personally affected. There is a saying that says, “guard your gates.” We have ear-gates and eye-gates. The mouth and nose are also gates. I believe we also have mental and spiritual gates. All the influences around us can affect our circumstances but what matters most is how we receive and assimilate things in our inner-man.
What we often do not realize is that whatever we have “taken in” is what is fueling us. Sometimes we are actually being fueled by previous experiences of rejection, hurt, sadness, hate, etc. The positive solution to negative influence is to filter it all with the Lord and His Word so that we can turn what would have been negative and destructive around for good. Whatever we allow ourselves to receive and however we assimilate it – for better or worse, is what fuels and drives us.
As we live our lives, we are literally taking in all that we encounter and we are built up or pushed down and lots of in-between. Every one of us are the direct result of whatever we have taken in and assimilated. How important it is to know the Lord and be grounded in His Word to be able to filter all that we encounter and assimilate (and even re-filter the past)!
So what is really directing and fueling you and I?
Just like the human body feeds on food daily, so does our inner-man. And just as the human body is the result of our previous diet and exercise, so is our inner-man.
Let's take a closer look at world around us that we are possibly being influenced by and taking in:
Music and song are some of the most “subtle entrances” to the inner-man that there is. For most, when it comes to music, one's guard is not usually up and the beat and music itself may be very appealing while the words may or may not be good for us. How much of the non-Christian songs that are popular today are anywhere near godly? Most of it is about sex and all manners of sex. Some is about violence, drinking and carousing. If the music and songs we are listening to are not drawing us closer to God, then the odds are overwhelming that it is taking us further from Him.
As a Christian, this is critical. What comes in through our ear gates affects a huge part of us; knowingly or unknowingly. If we listen to secular music, then that is part of what we are feeding on. While some of it is not sinful, it can still be like the equivalent of eating cardboard and not very nutritious mentally and spiritually at all. There is a verse in Proverbs that says:
- Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Another verse in the New Testament says:
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits.
The music and song (that we make and hear), education (books, video, audio), news & entertainment (of all kinds) are all part of “the company” we keep.
If we choose to listen to Christian music and song, instead of what the world offers, it will build us up instead of tear or drag us down and even draw us closer to God. There is literally strength for our souls in Christian music. Christian praise music is literally encouraging. Christian worship music not only glorifies God but gives deep strength to the worshiper. This is where the living water really flows.
If we will stop and think about it, the times that we are more frustrated and sin easier are the times that we are more spiritually dehydrated. And the times that we are stronger and more victorious, are the result of being hydrated with living water! Being hydrated in the Lord is not just for Sundays, we need to be hydrated in Him every day!
Our inner-man literally feeds on what it hears. If we are fighting depression or already depressed and we listen to music and song that is depressing, we all know what happens. We get more depressed. This is because we did not feed our inner-man what it needed. What we need is God's solution to depression; which means giving it to Him and choosing to trust in Him for the solution. We must let the Lord and His Word truly direct us. We must praise Him and pray through the hard times if we want to have a victorious life.
Not only does faith come from hearing but so does doubt. If we are wise about what we hear and allow in, we can become so much stronger. If we allow negativity and doubt in, it will certainly affect us in bad ways.
Notice in the following verses “what the Bible says is healthy” to have going on in our minds:
- Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
The Holy Spirit, by way of Paul, is giving us the recipe for a healthy inner-man. And he added: and “the God of peace” will be with you. There is no real peace outside of God's will. People may find temporary peace in their circumstances but it can in no way compare to the peace of God that comes from Him and in living by His direction. God's will for us is what is good for us; to be blessed and in one accord with Him. His way is not the broad way of the world but the narrow path which can be quite challenging. But how great it is for us as for Christians to have the Lord lead the way and even be our literal strength and shield! Nothing can compare to His direction in our circumstances and the blessings that come from obedience.
Beside music and song, all secular media such as television, movies, gaming and the many forms of media via the internet can be subtle pitfalls. If we are feeding our inner-man with much of the available programming, what are we feeding ourselves with? What are we allowing ourselves to be programmed with? How can watching avenues that promote sex outside of marriage, lying, cheating, homosexuality, drinking, course and often lewd language & behavior and perhaps even smoking or taking drugs help anyone? People that “subtly take in” immoral ways, into their inner-man cannot help but be directly affected by it.
Gaming, in which killing people happens over and over with better and better tactics and skills does not promote love, peace, joy or even godly self-control. Many forms of gaming (and other mediums too) subtly lead children and even adults into witchcraft and even promiscuity by the various types of formats used. We must ask ourselves as we make choices daily: How does this this activity affect my inner-man? Is this something the Lord is enjoying enduring with me as I, as a Christian, am a temple of the Holy Spirit? Will it draw me closer to or further away from God?
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
Many of the various forms of media even lie. Without the discernment of the Holy Spirit and seeking to live in the truth of God's Word, we can easily fall prey to the multitude of potential subtle tricks and lies from the enemy. The devil does not usually show himself in his true colors. Who would believe him then? He usually comes subtly and in favorable seeming ways.
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light...
From the beginning, “being subtle” was and is his forte`.
- Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made.
How many influences in our lives have come masquerading? We must guard ourselves! It is the oldest trick in the book, to come with a pleasing way that has a hidden hook and pitfalls in it.
We must choose our friends wisely. We oftentimes cannot help who we work with but we can choose who we allow in our inner circles and who we take advice from. If we want to be wise, godly and happy it certainly stands to reason to surround ourselves with people that are wise, godly and happy! There is such strength in making godly choices which in turn, helps us receive and assimilate all that we encounter for the betterment our mental and spiritual well-being!
Choosing Jesus Christ and being born-again is just the beginning of a new life in Christ! We become born-again in our spirits but our minds (and lives) must be reprogrammed with Jesus as true Lord!
- Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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.
Concluding thoughts.
We need to take the time and seriously study the Bible and use it to filter all that we encounter daily as well as re-filter the past. And also deliberately choose to have more quality time with the Lord, taking more time to pause and refresh ourselves in Him, which really fuels and strengthens our inner-man.
Also, we need to take more time to pray and listen for the Lord's direction throughout each day. We need to choose very carefully what we listen to, watch and read eliminating as much ungodly and unhealthy influences as possible and replace them with more godly, beneficial choices. This will definitely result in fueling our inner-man in the best ways possible which is essential to having a happier and more victorious life.
If we desire to be all that God wants us to be and see His plans fulfilled in our lives, we must guard ourselves with all that we encounter and make wise choices in all that we allow in! Everything we are now and will be in the future, completely depends on it!!
Bible verses for thought:
Romans 12:9-21 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Ephesians 6:18 ... praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.Philippians 4:4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits."
John 8:31-32 "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge...
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