Be Mindful

Discernment is something that we believers must learn. As Christ-followers, we must be mindful of what we are feeding ourselves, as everything we do should glorify God. I think that this is very crucial when it comes to the things we enjoy doing for leisure.

As I mentioned previously, I have been learning what type of books I am and am not comfortable reading. Because secular books are typically written by nonbelievers, there usually can be things against what I believe. And that goes with anything: movies, television shows, music, etc.

That is why we must ask ourselves, “Would looking at this thing, honor God?” and “Will this thing affect me in a way that pushes me away from God?”

When we accept Christ, every area of our life needs to be transformed because of Him working in us. But only this can happen if we allow Him to work. Have you seen a change in what things you will and will not do? 

We will still struggle and sometimes won’t discern correctly, but we are flawed humans; we cannot do anything perfectly. That is why we need the Lord for guidance. He knows what is best and how to lead.

Discernment involves trusting God as well. You may be asking, “How so?” We only see a part of the picture and might assume that specific thing is not bad. However, God sees the full picture and is aware of how it can affect us if we do it. 

Thus, that shows He is reliable and trustworthy because He knows everything. 

I am definitely not perfect in this field, but I am learning and grateful to learn. However, I would like to share a couple of ways to utilize discernment.

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Pray – God is the One who knows what is best. Ask Him for guidance; His wisdom is perfect. We cannot do anything on our own; don’t be afraid to ask. He is so very willing, as He desires for our lives to be transformed.

Read reviews – I enjoy doing this with anything I am not familiar with. Like with books, I’ll go onto Amazon to see what people say about what content is in it. This is very helpful because it helps me determine if reading that book is a waste of my time! With movies, I like to go onto Pluggedin, which will also allow me to be aware of that movie’s content (it’s a plus that it’s a Christian organization!).

Philippians 4:8 – Are you uncertain if you should view a particular source of media? Run it through Philippians 4:8!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

This tip ties hand-in-hand with the one above. You can find out these things by seeing what others have said about it. And look, if you happen to begin reading it and realize that it is dirty, stop viewing it and ask the Lord for forgiveness. We are human, so we are bound to slip up, but that does not mean He loves us any less. ❤

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Some people might think you’re weird for not reading the Harry Potter books or watching Stranger Things (like myself), but it doesn’t matter what they think. It is about you striving to honor God with what you feed your mind. No matter what others say, remember that we are not to please man. And honestly, this allows for an opportunity to let your light shine as you are not to be like the world.

Do not be conformed to this world, my friend.