FollowBy Jeff Foerster
Brian asked the question one Sunday, “How is culture staining you?” One of the dangers in my experience here is believing the cultural lie that things are generally supposed to work well or to my liking. If I experience some dissatisfaction, the lie goes, this requires a remedy which is readily available for purchase somewhere, in some form. Either that, or I can journey inward because of my perceived lack in comparison to what I believe I am owed for my efforts.
In order to avoid the pain that life brings, I find myself considering many things: How is my lawn looking? How much work must I do before morning? What shape are my finances in? Do others respect me? Do others like me? Do others need me? What does my car say about me? Does the way I keep my home give others the right message? What am I putting in my body? What am I putting on my body?
Martin suggested we examine the thoughts which visit our minds and carefully evaluate those which take residence therein. Do you spend time entertaining the voice of evil? Do you let linger hurt or malice or lust or mistrust? Do you spend “brain time” on acquiring things to make your life better, or on bettering yourself for … ?
How do you spend the resources of your mind? I myself would like to consider all things. There simply is not time to do so. There are many things which we might consider. Here’s one that God has provided:
“Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)
In this weary-laden world I am in danger of losing heart. I will not, because Jesus, the Way, has shown me a way to live here in the shadow lands where all is not well. I will choose to linger on Him who died for me. I will choose to linger on His suffering born of perfect patience and great love. I will linger on His majesty, to be revealed when we meet Him in the air.
We do not battle with physical things, but with powers yet unseen. The war that is waged is for the mind and spirit. Because of Jesus we can be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10)
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, let your mind dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
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