What We Consume, What We Keep in Mind

There might not be four other verses from the Bible more relevant to our time than the verses from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians we hear this weekend.

First, Paul writes rather than having anxiety, to make our requests known to God by prayer and petition. Paul throws in two important words after prayer and petition, “with thanksgiving”. Starting with gratitude helps us look outward, get outside of ourselves, and find some perspective. Things are often not quite as bad as they seem in the moment.

This leads perfectly to the final two verses. Perhaps those things we’re grateful for are what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent, and worthy of praise.

These are the things we should keep in mind. We’re bombarded by external negative inputs, it’s constant and unceasing. Those creating this content know that we’re far more likely to engage with negativity, we’re triggered by it. Studies show that human beings just can’t cope with consuming certain levels of negative input, content that tears us down, makes us feel shame, demonizes others, and is steeped in cynicism. We get caught in the cycle, and our responses are just as bad as what we’ve consumed.

It’s as if Paul is speaking to us right now, in this moment in history. Take a serious look at what you read, listen to, and watch each day, and how much time you spend with it. We CAN take control of this part of our lives. Let’s focus on the beautiful, the loving, not because this makes life easier, but because it’s what is true, and will see us through the best and worst of times.