I Peter 1:13 Therefore, guard your minds, be sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming…”
Growing up in a small Methodist church in rural western New York, I was introduced to the Christian band “Petra.” Through the years, their song “Computer Brains” has come back to my mind a few times:
Everything that you do and see, one more event in your memory
Every bit takes another bite without control over wrong or right
You must screen every entry made, the consequences must be weighed
The only way to security is every thought in captivity
Computer brains, put garbage in
Computer brains, get garbage out
Computer brains, programming you
Computer brains, what can you do?
Break out
Are you a user or being used, has your memory been abused?
Take random samples from your mind and analyze what you may find
You can clear all your memory and be transformed when you find the key
Think on the things that will bring you peace, confusing data soon will cease
Now I must admit that at the time I was using a Commodore 64 and had NO IDEA how computers would change our world. But the concept that “what you put in is what you get out” made perfect sense to me. Many years later I understand how powerful the words and ideas that enter our minds can bring hope and healing or hurt and pain to others.
Every day I listen to K-LOVE on the radio while driving to work. I try to fill my mind with songs that inspire love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5). I discover that my words and actions are more encouraging and uplifting when I fill my mind with songs that speak messages of truth and life.
When we read the Scripture that says “guard your minds” I believe we are being called to seek out words and ideas that will build others up, draw us closer to God and lead us toward lives that are filled with purpose and meaning. As people of faith, we have the opportunity to help change the world by offering a glimpse into the impact that Christ has upon our everyday lives when we reflect the meaning and message of God’s love. So, turn up the radio and let God speak to your heart today!
Rev. Phil Greenwald, Executive Pastor of Administration
