How to Put a Filter on Your Mind

We think all the time. We observe, record, and process information faster than any computer on earth. And we store information and imagery better, too.

The human brain is absolutely amazing in its capability to capture and catalog things.

And what we take into our minds definitely influences what comes out in our lives. Our habits are the results of our actions, which are the results of our thoughts.

So be choosy when it comes to what you allow into your mind.

Be discriminating. Don’t just allow anything and everything to filter into your mind.

I read a book one time called Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind. It’s about how advertisers compete for your attention. Whether you realize it or not, everybody wants to get your attention, usually for the purpose of profit.

So it’s up to you to take control of your thought life. Second Corinthians 10:5 says, “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV).

Guard your mind and be disciplined in the way that you think.

There are four kinds of material that you can fill your mind with.

1. Poison.

Poison includes pornography, the occult, trashy novels, things that blaspheme God, and anything that is bad for your mind.

Paul says in Romans 16:19, “I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (NIV).

In Psalm 101:3, David said, “I will set no vile thing before my eyes” (WEB). It’s a promise he made to himself to not look at anything that was bad and unhealthy for his mind.

You might need that verse as the background on your phone, your computer, or even right above your television.

Realize that pornography and other harmful forms of media aren’t innocent or powerless. They change the way we think.

2. Stuffing.

Stuffing is simply stuff. It’s neither good nor bad. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful, but not all things edify” (NASB).

He’s saying that some things are not necessarily wrong; they’re just not necessary. A lot of books, movies, and television shows are just stuffing. They’re not harmful; they’re just “there.”

3. Brain food.

These are things that inspire you, teach you, help you grow, teach you a skill, and make you a better person.

Paul says in Philippians 4:8, “Keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper” (CEV).

4. The Bible.

When we hide God’s Word in our hearts through reading, meditation, and memorization, it keeps us on the right track.

You have to decide what you’re going to fill your mind with because it’s going to come out of your life. At what point do you become righteously indignant, shut down the computer or turn off the television, and declare, “I’ve had enough”?

Let the Bible become the filter through which everything is judged worthy or unworthy of taking up space in your mind. And if you’re already caught in trap of pornography, reach out for help. Find a local Celebrate Recovery® ministry, get into a group, invite accountability, and fall into the grace of God again.