“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
The war for our mind has never been more severe in human history. Internet, social media, news at our fingertips, AI and more compete for our headspace. And win. Overwhelmingly. We both hate it and love. We hate what it does to our minds. But we cannot imagine life without internet and phones.
No longer are we ever “alone with our thoughts.” Our cell phones accompany us wherever we go, ready to fill our minds. The truth is we are far more addicted than we realize.
Have you tried to read a book recently that was not story? Our brains can hardly focus.
How much do you read in the first place? We actually don’t read much and we can’t. The sheer volume of material out there to read is so much we have taught ourselves to skim everything, including important written communication in emails. We just can’t handle that kind of volume.
And like it or not, when we are tired, we default to social media and news sites. Yes, they are educational and are important to know what is going on in the world, but how often do we get lost in social media for hours?
Our prayer life suffers drastically because of these things. Mainly because it is hard to sit still and focus our minds for more than a few minutes.
Our minds are the battlefield and we are losing in a big way. We just don’t know how to break free. Our work requires the internet. Our place in society requires somewhat of a knowledge of what is going on.
Divorcing internet completely will not work. Moderation is also a challenge when it hits all our dopamine receptors and after hours can refresh us.
Silently. Stealthily. We are becoming conformed to the world.
Don’t give in.. No one wins a war by not fighting. Or giving up the fight.
We must regularly be in the Word–reading, listening, in groups discussing, or whatever that looks like.
We must fight to stay in prayer. Maybe we have to walk and pray to keep our brain and body engaged.
Just never stop fighting for your mind space.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Because the renewal of the mind is significant. It is how we test and discern the will of God, and what is good and acceptable and perfect. The renewing of the mind is the start.
So pick a fight today against something that tries to steal your mind space. Get a victory. Then get a victory tomorrow. Then the next day.
Just never step out of the fight.