When we walk through life we come to what I like to call ‘intersections’, decision points along the road. Which way will you turn, left, right, go straight ahead, reverse…Yes, you are at an intersection in life. The tapes that run in our heads, the words associated with said tapes and the actions that these words play out in our lives, speak into how we decide which way to turn. These words we tell ourselves not only ring into our hearts with self-reflection but also are the basis for how we view and judge others around us.
A truth… how you view yourself is how you judge your surroundings. Your critical short-sighted words about yourself are how you will see others. Imagine what the world, your little piece of it, would be like if the words in your head were of life, goodness, happiness, and love vs. what is typically running through your head and heart?
So often we let ‘others’ tell us ‘how’ to view or think about situations. It is the basis of our earliest learning. We are taught about everything and how to react. The news has an agenda and interpretation of events. Some are good and some… not so much. It’s amazing how the ‘power of the camera’ can mold and shape our thinking. And.. .that thinking about ourselves is what gets my attention. If you choose to invest in that form of influence, choose wisely.
Back in World War II the Nazis had a propaganda machine designed to ‘interpret’ events around the world to fool the world around them, and keep them blind to the facts of what they were doing. It almost worked and cost 50 million-plus lives to bring it down. But today’s propaganda comes at us from so many different facets.
Though I believe we have an enemy who wants to see our destruction and that power for sure has an agenda, it doesn’t have to be that way.
God has given us His word as a guide. Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Words, those little things that seem to have so much control in our lives, deserve our attention, and when you read Paul’s admonishment you understand, this has been an ‘age old’ problem.
Philippians 4: 8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Don’t let others and circumstances dictate the words and truths you believe. Let those things that are Good, Pure and Just help you through the intersections in your life.
Peace on your Journey this week.
