Motivational speaker Earl Nightingale once said, “You will become what you think about most of the time.” While often discussed in personal development, this is actually a biblical principle. Our thoughts shape who we are, and what we allow into our minds—whether through social media, entertainment, or the company we keep—deeply influences our attitudes, decisions, and faith.
Recently, I’ve had to make some tough decisions about my own influences. I realized that the time I spent reading the news or scrolling through social media directly impacted my mood, my energy, and even how I treated others. Fear, anxiety, and anger sell. The more anxious, outraged, or divided people feel, the more they stay engaged with the content fueling those emotions.
The world thrives on stirring up fear, keeping us in a constant cycle of worry and frustration. But what we consume in our minds doesn’t just stay there—it affects our hearts and ultimately our actions.
Scripture Readings:
📖 Romans 12:2 – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
📖 Mark 9:42-43, 45, 47 – “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands… If your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.”
📖 Philippians 4:8 – “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Reflection:
Jesus gives a strong warning about allowing harmful influences to control us. He isn’t literally telling us to harm ourselves, but He is making a very clear point: If something is leading you or others away from God—whether it’s media, habits, or toxic influences—you need to remove it. Cut it off! Get rid of it!
If social media leaves you feeling bitter and divisive, maybe it’s time to step away. If the constant flood of bad news fills your heart with fear instead of faith, perhaps it’s time to turn it off.
Earl Nightingale’s words remind us that we become what we think about most. If we focus on fear, we will live in fear. If we focus on anger, we will respond in anger. But if we focus on God’s truth, we will live in peace.
The world profits from our fear and outrage, but God offers something better—a transformed mind and a heart at rest.
Application:
1. Self-Examination – Take inventory of what you consume daily. What worldly influences are shaping your thoughts the most?
2. Prayer for Discernment – Ask God to reveal anything that is causing fear, anger, or division in your heart.
3. Mindful Media Choices – Consider taking a break from social media or certain news sources that fuel negativity.
4. Scripture Meditation – Focus on passages that remind you of God’s peace and truth. Write them down and repeat them throughout the day.
5. Intentional Conversations – Engage in discussions that build up, encourage, and bring wisdom instead of fueling frustration and division.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, help me to be mindful of what I allow into my heart and mind. Show me what I need to remove so that I can walk in Your peace instead of fear. Fill my thoughts with Your truth and wisdom. Transform me from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Engrafted life 
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