June 9: Changed By Beholding

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

The complexity and capacity of the human brain, even in our modern day of scientific study, remains largely unknown. Truly, it stands uniquely ‘tall’ among the many marvelous works of the Creator. One of the well-documented observations regarding our brains is the fact that they are changed by beholding. What one chooses to behold will affect the brain either positively or negatively.

Study of the living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) divine Message has an enlightening, uplifting, and ennobling effect upon the mind and character. Beholding this Word strengthens us against Satan’s subtle insinuations, manipulative devices, and counterfeit doctrines, thus equipping God’s servants to be and make true disciples in this fallen world of false messages.

Violence and porn dominate the entertainment media. It is a proven fact that these have the effect of desensitizing our brains, negatively effecting dopamine release while increasing the desire for stronger and more vile forms of entertainment. They work as other addictions, numbing the natural response and increasing the appetite for evil. Our enemy has found a very easy way to slither in, serpent-like. Imperceptibly he creeps into the human mind in order to corrupt the work of God.

God’s people must make a determined, disciplined effort to consume only that which strengthens the mind and character. The means to increase our appetites for the wondrous knowledge of God is within our reach! Weakened minds fall into a pattern of poor decision-making and disinterest in the things of God. Even small, seemingly inconsequential poor decisions, have a cumulative effect. If I have placed my trust in the Lord, then I believe that my body is the temple of His Holy Spirit. I am accountable to my Creator for what I allow into my body and mind under His authority. I should welcome all instructions and corrections that come my way through His Word. Living under the "umbrella" of His authority means that grace to work out [my] own salvation (Philippians 2:12) is always readily available exactly when I need it.

I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. Psalm 101:3

…the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17