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. Philippians 4:8 NKJV
As a rule, people don’t fall into bondage overnight. They don’t just wake up one morning and discover they’re addicted to food or can’t control their temper. There is a progression that leads to bondage. And it begins when we start listening to and pondering things that aren’t true.
That’s how it all began in the garden of Eden. Eve listened to the lies Satan told her. She had no idea where those lies would ultimately lead her and her family. Perhaps it didn’t seem particularly dangerous just to listen to the serpent, to hear him out, to see what he had to say. Listening in itself wasn’t disobedience.
But here’s the thing. Listening to a viewpoint that was contrary to God’s Word put Eve on a slippery slope that led to disobedience, which then led to spiritual and physical death. Listening with an open mind to things that are not in accord with God’s Word is the first step toward bondage and destruction.
That’s why it’s so important to monitor the input we allow into our minds and hearts and to reject that which promotes ungodly thinking. A steady diet of worldly influences, from television, magazines, movies, music, friends, and novels, will seductively shape our view of what is valuable, beautiful, and important in life.
There are no harmless lies. We cannot expose ourselves to the world’s false, deceptive ways of thinking and expect to come out unscathed. Eve’s first mistake was not eating the fruit; her first mistake was listening to the serpent and considering his worldview as a valid option.
Mindlessly absorbing counsel or reasoning that is contrary to the truth will lead us to develop wrong beliefs that eventually place us in bondage and create barriers in our fellowship with God.
So, what is the question?
Can you think of something you heard recently that appealed to your interests or desires but, as you think about it, is not consistent with God’s Word? Did you listen to it (i.e.receive it mindlessly) or did you consciously reject the lie?
Adapted from The Quiet Place, Nancy Leigh DeMoss