Filters

In a general sense, it's interesting how many filters we use on our photos - yet how little filters we use on our words. We don't want people to see what we really look like, hiding behind good lighting, trying to look the best we can to the world - but really we are rotten through and through deep inside.   We should all be glad that our inward appearance isn't literally translated into our outward appearance or we'd need a lot more filters! However, it does come out in our words, our thoughts and for some of us, in google searches we think no one sees.

There is this filter that I have found extremely helpful in my life when I have had to deal with massive depression, anxiety, confidence issues, addictions, comparison, figuring out who I am, temptations etc etc.

Anytime a thought comes into my mind that is negative, shoots me down or causes me to doubt or reason myself into a bad decision, I think about this verse in the Bible that says that we should "...take every thought captive..."

What does it mean to take something captive? It is usually thought of in light of war: made or held prisoner. And when people are held captive for war what do they do to the prisoner? They search them, they interrogate them: ask them relentless questions about what and why they are doing.

The rest of the verse goes on to say, "...to make it obedient to Christ." So if the thought comes into my head that does not line up with the Word of God, or what God would say or think of me I intentionally search that thought and argue it out of my mind by using the Truth of God's word. (Full verse: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5)

Practically speaking if I'm mad at someone and I'm tempted to say something that would hurt them, knowing the Word of God helps me filter what I'm about to say by measuring it against what God says.

• The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21
• Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:28
• Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
• Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:3-32
• The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. Proverbs 10:32
• The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. Proverbs 15:28
• When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs 31:26
• ...we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15

There are so many examples of the same idea about but for different thoughts, worries, "what do I do?'s for practical application of God's Word. Whether you are a Christian or not, there is much wisdom in the Word of God, it is a good filter... It will change how you really look on the inside, which is the most important thing - contrary to cultural belief.