Grab the Remote
One expression that is repeated endlessly in people's homes and is often muttered in desperation followed by a heavy sigh. "Where's the remote?" We often misplace this tiny gadget, and we sorely miss it when we do. It may be small, but it is mighty in its ability to control what we are seeing and experiencing.
I once passed through our living room and was surprised by something my son was watching, and when I asked him about it, you can probably guess his response, "I couldn't find the remote." Rather than expend the energy to find it, he settled for whatever was in front of him. Many of us are guilty of the same action just letting whatever comes on the screen next entertain us.
While we may do this with television, let's not do the same with our thoughts. When it comes to our minds, we must always be fully in control of the remote. We cannot afford to be cavalier with our thoughts.
Let's grab the remote and grab control of our thoughts.
Paul advises in 2 Corinthians 10: 5b, "...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Philippians 2:5 encourages, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." Both of these verses are challenging. Both of these verses advise us to grab the remote and to actively change the channel of our thinking. It won't work to watch whatever comes up. Our thoughts can be destructive and negative at times; we don't need to be there! Grab the remote! Take captive those thoughts!
What "channel" should we go to? Philippians 4:8 offers excellent advice and a variety of options: "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." What options! God isn't really limiting our thinking, but He is saying take control over our thoughts. Replace the fear with what is true. Replace the complaining with what is lovely. Replace the gossip with what is praiseworthy. We need to grab the remote and gain control of our thoughts!
What "channel" should we go to? Philippians 4:8 offers excellent advice and a variety of options: "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." What options! God isn't really limiting our thinking, but He is saying take control over our thoughts. Replace the fear with what is true. Replace the complaining with what is lovely. Replace the gossip with what is praiseworthy. We need to grab the remote and gain control of our thoughts!
While we still may struggle in my home finding the TV's remote control, I am now actively striving to take back control of my thoughts.
Father, one area in which I struggle is with negative and self-defeating thoughts, please give me wisdom and discernment over my thoughts and attitudes that they may be pleasing and glorifying to you, Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
