The Standard October 10, 2026
In the early 1980s our youth minister, Joe Chilberg, used to quote the computer science phrase “garbage in, garbage out.” He explained that if we watched or listened to or consumed course or morally questionable material, we would be stunting our spiritual growth.
I tend to chuckle at people who say they listen to music because of a good beat or tune while being able to disregard the lyrics. After keeping our grandson for over a week, the words to “Baby Shark” played over and over in my mind for days. Most of us know how difficult it can be to get a song out of our head. Usually, if we’re surrounded by friends constantly saying certain words or phrases, we find ourselves repeating or thinking those same things.
It is no easy task to train our brains to think differently, but it can be done. Some of us worry a lot and imagine all kinds of negative outcomes. Others struggle with bitterness or holding a grudge. Many continually compare themselves to others and feel like they are falling short.
The reality is that committing ourselves to better ways of thinking is quite freeing. With God’s help, we can identify what causes negative or unhelpful thoughts and pivot to more edifying practices.
The Apostle Paul says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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 10:4-6
Paul gives us a list of things that are worth our focus. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
If we find ourselves about to think negatively about someone, we could turn that into a prayer for their well-being. A temptation to believe the worst of a neighbor might be met with the truth that we don’t know all of the difficulties they face. Memorizing key passages of Scripture helps bring them to mind at the appropriate time. For example, when worried about what we are facing, we can remember Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Redirecting our thoughts might require turning off the television, spending less time on social media, changing some of our music choices, and taking time for prayer and Bible study. We frequently hear that many of our young people are feeling more negative, depressed, isolated, or lonely. With a lot of social media usage comes the thought that others enjoy better lives, more success, and enviable relationships. For the sake of the younger generations and for our own sake, we must learn to focus on the goodness of God. In doing this our attitudes will be transformed and we will bring hope to a hurting world.
