BEWARE OF THE LITTLE FOXES (PART TWO)

Guarding the gates of your heart.

In the first part of this reflection, I shared how an ordinary experience made me realise how easily the seemingly insignificant things we expose ourselves to can find their way into our thoughts and influence our spiritual lives.

This is why we must be deliberate about what we permit into our lives. Take charge of what you listen to, what you watch and what you ponder upon. Dispense with ungodly thoughts rather than entertain them. Do away with pages that consistently promote ungodly music, erotic pictures and appearances of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Mute the songs when necessary, especially when you need to watch a video whose accompanying sound is ungodly. If you find yourself in an environment where you cannot avoid certain sounds, deliberately occupy your mind with godly songs, Scripture and wholesome thoughts.

This also brings me to the importance of consistently feeding our hearing with godly music. If you have not deliberately filled your heart and mind with Gospel songs, you may find it difficult to recall one when you need to redirect your thoughts. You cannot always expect to draw from a spiritual reservoir you have never intentionally filled.

Finally, brethren, consider the instruction of Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8:

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Notice that Paul specifically addresses our THINKING. He understood the significance of the mind and the influence our thoughts have on our conduct. What we consistently expose our minds to influences what occupies our thoughts, and what occupies our thoughts eventually finds expression in our lives.

This is why we must pay attention to our gates of entry: our hearing and our sight. Treat your hearing, your sight and your thoughts to the Philippians 4:8 test. If it does not pass the test, do not entertain it.

As we step into a new week, let this be a gentle reminder to be intentional about what we allow into our lives. Guard the gates of your ears. Be mindful of what you feed your eyes. Pay attention to the conversations you entertain, the content you consume, the thoughts you nurture and the things you allow to occupy your mind. Do not underestimate the little things or assume that you are beyond their influence.

May we not become careless with the very things that have the capacity to shape our spiritual lives.

Do not wait until a little fox has destroyed your vineyard before you recognise its presence. Be watchful, be deliberate and be intentional about preserving your spiritual walk.

Happy Sunday, brethren!🤗 Have a beautiful and fruitful week ahead. And remember, beware of the little foxes.