Transformational Thought
When you want to know what is going on in a school system, you go to the authority — the one who’s in charge of the programs, who has the power, knows the most. and devises the policies – the principal or superintendent. You don’t go to the third-graders who are impulsive, want immediate gratification, and are me-oriented thinkers. You know they are not the all-knowing authorities who can take in and process everything that occurs in a complex system or situation. Nor do you let the third-graders determine the strategies and methods needed to educate themselves and society in various academic and life skills.
Most media, like TV, radio, movies and the internet, are analogous to the third-graders in terms of their depth of understanding, power and authority. The media reflects the WORLD system, Satan’s schemes and our fleshly desires. The WORLD relentlessly proclaims bad news and offers up knee-jerk solutions to long-term issues causing more long-term harm while exalting the self instead of humbling us to the true King.
This steady diet of WORLD messages and attempts at brainwashing will eventually sicken you. Thankfully, there’s an alternative. Instead of focusing on their fickle, ever-changing, bad-news and erroneous policies broadcasts, tune into the living WORD — the One who is always the same. He is the real authority and all-knowing One you can pursue for answers, explanations, comfort, protection, instruction, power and wisdom.
Because of our need for quick explanations and our fragility in dealing with discomfort, we want our natural state of broken-heartedness and captivity to sin to go away — now. But, you see, we are too lazy to think through multiple aspects of a situation. We have selective amnesia regarding past experiences. We resist developing our spiritual antennae. As a result, we tune into the WORLD. The media, which is in our face 24/7, becomes our guide and authority.
The more we listen to the WORLD, the easier it is to accept that worldview and set of gimmicky answers to our struggles. But the more we read and listen to the teaching of the WORD, the clearer the problems are and the easier the real answers appear in front of us. Then we can bask in lasting hope and peace.
Today, turn off the tube early. Use that time to dig into your Bible. Let Holy Scripture saturate your mind and heart. This will help you move step by step along the path of true healing and lasting transformation. Even though you do not know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure God knows and is walking alongside you. And you are assured of your ultimate destination in the forever. Big decision: the Bible or the world’s media for your peace, guidance and freedom? Whether you tune into the WORLD or you tune into the true authority, the living WORD — it’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am full of fear today. I am in the midst of another storm. I turn to Your WORD and I find peace. I pray that the assurance of Your WORD will soak into my mind and heart until I overflow with Your joy, instead of my fleshly fear. I know that peace is Your continual gift to me. Thank You, Lord. I know that You have designed me to need You moment by moment. It is when I take my eyes off You that fear and anxiety creep into my life. I approach Your throne of grace with confidence and trust and ask for Your peace. I pray this in the name of the One Who is my lighthouse, Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:39
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah, There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalm 46:2