Have you noticed the sensationalism and the dark intensity of the media? It is difficult to NOT click on a link on your computer or smart phone and inadvertently view some tragedy or horror that has transpired somewhere in the world. It is important to know that our “eye gate” or what we see and allow our minds to process, is something we need to monitor. Do you have a habit of watching the nightly news before going to bed and then find it difficult to fall asleep? Then your “eye gate” has been negatively affected.
In addition to a near constant bombardment of upsetting news, we also have to deal with an increase in gore and violence on TV, movies, commercials and in books and music. Why is this? Because the worldly fascination with these forms of entertainment is growing. Many people are drawn to what we consider occult imaginations because their hearts have grown cold.
The New Age movement, which truly is new since it manifested in the 1960’s, is another area where people are drawn and therefore allow ungodly influence into their “eye gate.” It has been said, “The mind is like tofu, it tastes like whatever you marinate it in.” There is certainly truth in this new age statement. What we constantly think about influences us greatly. However, there is a danger lurking behind this seemingly benign statement. Filling your mind with peaceful, Zen or Buddhist confirmations may ease you out of an anxiety attack, but will do NOTHING to release the glory of God in your life. That can only be done through Jesus!
John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
We can be transformed in a negative way, or in a positive way. We get to choose what we allow into our minds. Will we become sorrowful or joyful? Fearful or peaceful? Worried or hope filled?
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
John 16:33 (AMPC)
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you will have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Back to the glory of the Lord vs the gore of the world: You simply cannot receive His glory if you choose to allow the gory aspects of this world to fill your mind. Please don’t think that keeping your eyes and mind on Jesus is a difficult task. It may be true that we can’t always get away from negative images when surfing channels with your family or riding in public transportation or when shopping in a mall, but we can choose to keep Jesus at the forefront of our thoughts. I (Sarah) may not be able to walk through Wal-Mart in the month of October without seeing green glowing skeletons or plastic masks of decapitated heads but when I do, I can refuse to revel in the gore. Instead I can quietly turn my mind to Jesus and say, “Thank you Lord for loving me. I love you too.” Do this with a sincere heart and His glory will be with you!
This glory of the Lord was hidden in the Old Testament but is revealed to us, the New Testament believers.
Colossians 1:26-27 (NASB)
26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
This glory is a divine gift to each of us who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. (Romans 10:9, 10) This is the same glory that Jesus received from the Father and that He gives to us. Jesus’ desire is that He wants us to be with Him where He is and that we may behold his glory.
John 17:22, 24 (AMP)
22 I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one, just as We are one; …24 Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given to Me [as Your gift to Me], may be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Glory is the Greek word, doxa, which means: glory, splendor, brilliance; the awesome light that radiates from God’s presence and is associated with His acts of power; honor; praise.
We have this HOPE OF GLORY because Christ is in us! But how can we really receive this “hope of glory” and be transformed by the Lord? What should we focus our minds on?
Romans 12:2 (AMP) And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
The word, transformed, in this verse comes from the Greek word that means metamorphosis, or the process that leads to an outward, permanent change. When we choose to think on the promises of God in His word, and meditate on those good things, we will be transformed out of the world’s snare into the glorious light of the truth of the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, indeed!
Philippians 4:8 (AMP) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
~ Joanne & Sarah
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