Matthew 15: 10-11, 15-20 ESV And He called the people to Him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” But Peter said to Him, “Explain the parable to us.” And He said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that what goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.
If what defiles us comes out of our heart, how did such things get into our heart in the first place? The truth is that primarily we put them in there. What we put into our mind will eventually end up in our heart. That is why it is so important to be mindful of what we watch, read, and listen to.
I’ve heard it explained that TV has a similar effect to hypnosis. When we watch TV we often go into a light trance. The way hypnosis works is that the hypnotist helps the person enter a trance and once in a trance the suggestions bypass the conscious mind and go straight to the subconscious. That is why TV advertising is so effective. It sends powerful suggestions straight to the subconscious. It is also why an advertisement for a soft drink can make you feel thirsty or one for pizza can make you hungry.
The programs one watches also affects the subconscious. Watching shows that glorify violence, promiscuity, or any behavior displeasing to God can subtly shift our views and the images can be stored in our heart.
What we read, the music we listen to, or the podcast we tune into also impact our hearts. I know it has become trite to ask if one would do something if Jesus were next to them … but it isn’t a bad question to ask ourselves regularly. If you can’t honestly say that you would be completely comfortable asking Jesus, or your pastor, to enjoy something with you, it is probably storing the wrong things in your heart.
What we think about also end up in our heart. If someone offends us and we forgive them, we can have peace. However, if we mull over that offense and hash it over in our minds we can build up anger, bitterness, and hatred in our heart.
Therefore, let us be careful to keep our hearts and minds focused on God, so that what comes out of our heart will please God and bless others.
Lord, please help me to guard my heart by taking great care about what I put in my mind.