The Power of Media on Our Minds: Choosing Wisely and Guarding Our Hearts

We Become What We Watch: The Power of Media on Our Minds

What we watch has a profound impact on who we become. Our minds are like sponges, soaking up everything we expose ourselves to. Whether we are aware of it or not, the media we consume is shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.

As a society, we are consuming more media than ever before. The average American spends over five hours a day watching television, and that doesn't include time spent on social media, video games, or other digital platforms. The content we consume has a powerful influence on our lives, and it's important that we are intentional about what we allow into our minds.

The Power of Media

The power of media is not a new concept. In fact, the Bible has much to say about the influence of what we see and hear. In Proverbs 4:23, we are told to "guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." What we allow into our hearts and minds will ultimately shape who we become.

Jesus also warned us about the power of what we see and hear. In Matthew 6:22-23, he says, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness."

What we see and hear has a powerful impact on our thoughts, emotions, and actions. When we fill our minds with negative and harmful content, we are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. On the other hand, when we fill our minds with positive and uplifting content, we are more likely to experience joy, peace, and contentment.

The Danger of Desensitization

One of the dangers of consuming media is desensitization. When we are exposed to violence, sex, and other harmful content on a regular basis, we can become desensitized to it. This means that we are no longer as shocked or disturbed by things that should be deeply troubling.

Desensitization can be particularly dangerous when it comes to violence. Studies have shown that exposure to violent media can increase aggressive behavior, desensitize individuals to real-life violence, and even reduce empathy towards victims. When we become desensitized to violence, we are more likely to act out aggressively ourselves.

Choosing Wisely

Given the power of media, it's important that we are intentional about what we allow into our minds. We should choose media that is both edifying and enjoyable, content that will help us grow in our faith and in our personal lives.

One way to do this is to be selective about what we watch. We should avoid media that is excessively violent, sexually explicit, or otherwise harmful. Instead, we should seek out media that is uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging.

Another way to choose wisely is to set boundaries around our media consumption. We should be mindful of how much time we spend watching television or scrolling through social media, and make sure that we are not allowing it to consume our lives.

The Role of Community

Finally, we should recognize the role that community plays in our media consumption. The people we surround ourselves with can have a profound impact on what we watch and how we think.

As Christians, we should seek out community that encourages us to grow in our faith and in our personal lives. We should surround ourselves with people who are intentional about their media consumption, who seek out content that is both edifying and enjoyable.

Ultimately, we become what we watch. Our minds are shaped by the content we consume, and it's up to us to be intentional about what we allow into our hearts and minds. Let us choose wisely, surround ourselves with community that encourages us to grow, and guard our hearts with all diligence.

References:

• Proverbs 4:23


• Matthew 6:22-23


• Anderson, C. A., & Dill, K. E. (2000). Video games and aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior in the laboratory and in life. Journal of personality and social psychology, 78(4), 772.


• Bushman, B. J., & Anderson, C. A. (2001). Media violence and the American public: Scientific facts versus media misinformation. American Psychologist, 56(6-7), 477-489.

Let us be intentional about the media we consume, and may it be a source of growth and edification in our lives.