“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
People rarely stop to ask who decides what fills their minds each day. In the digital age, most do not choose what they see. Algorithms decide. Headlines appear. Feeds refresh. Notifications demand attention. Screens fill the margins of daily life, and the heart slowly adjusts to whatever it receives.
The Christian mind does not take shape by accident. It forms around what it consumes. What people watch, read, share, and absorb all contribute to their mental and spiritual condition. Paul knew this. He urged the church in Philippi to think intentionally. He listed the kinds of things that should occupy their minds—truth, honor, justice, purity, beauty, and excellence. The list reveals ideals that go beyond a positive mindset. It demands discernment. People must learn to recognize what is shaping their inner life.
Digital media does not operate with the same priorities. Its goal is not virtue but engagement. Most platforms do not reward what is true. They reward what provokes. Many algorithms prioritize outrage, fear, controversy, and novelty. These gain more clicks, shares, and time spent staring at a screen. Remember, you are the product they are paid to capture. And the longer people stay, the more they are shaped.
The writer of Proverbs reminds readers that every word carries weight. A single statement can pierce like a sword or bring healing. Wisdom builds up, but foolishness multiplies harm. In a digital world overrun with competing voices, people must choose which ones they allow to speak into their lives. The one who walks with the wise grows wise. The one who consumes foolishness will eventually become a fool. (Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 13:20)
Jesus warned about the danger of deception. He said many false prophets would arise and lead people astray. That warning did not only apply to religious leaders. Any voice that distorts truth or redefines righteousness contributes to that deception—many today mistake repetition for reliability. Once you watch a video on any subject, you are far more likely to see the same concepts on repeat. They trust voices because those voices are familiar. But familiarity does not equal faithfulness. (Matthew 24:11)
The danger of misinformation is not just political or scientific. It is spiritual. False ideas about God, sin, salvation, and holiness often spread in subtle ways. A short video or trending quote can undermine a lifetime of faithful teaching if it aligns more closely with someone’s emotions than God’s word. People cannot think clearly about God if they fill their minds with confusion and distortion.
Paul urged the Corinthians to take every thought captive to obey Christ. That requires effort. People cannot surrender thoughts they do not recognize. They must examine what enters the mind and compare it to the standard of Christ. If it fails the test, it must go. Discipleship means guarding the mind with the same intensity as others guard their finances or homes. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Scripture calls God’s people to test everything and hold fast to what is good. In the digital age, that command matters more than ever. Not every headline deserves belief. Not every viral post deserves sharing. Not every expert speaks with wisdom. Truth requires patience, humility, and discernment. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
The goal is not retreat but renewal. Christians do not run from hard questions or complex issues. But they do not accept whatever information screams the loudest. They build their thinking on what God has revealed. The more time people spend in God’s word, the more clearly they see everything else.
The mind shaped by truth will recognize lies more easily. The mind trained in God’s wisdom will not fall for the world’s foolishness. The person who fills their thoughts with what is excellent will not chase what is shallow. Christ does not simply want obedient hands. He wants renewed minds. Disciples who think clearly about truth will live faithfully in a world that no longer knows how.
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
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