Going in Grace

Brandi Stover (00:00.662)
Welcome to Going in Grace, a podcast where we go beyond simply understanding God's word. We explore how to live it out daily, making a meaningful impact in our lives and the lives of those around us. Let's tune in to this week's episode.

Today, we're exploring the gates to our soul, the ear and the eye. How do they serve as entry points for both good and bad influences? Let's delve into the Bible to uncover the importance of what we listen to and watch. I will be using the new international version today. You've probably heard it said before that eyes are windows to our soul. Typically a window is something you look out of. Eyes, however, not only allow us to see the world around us, they allow the world around us a doorway into our mental and emotional arena.

The things we see can inspire us teach us and draw us closer to God, but they can also lead us into temptation and darkness. Sometimes these temptations can be incredibly subtle. So we should keep our guard up as we consider what we will put before our eyes. Proverbs 4, 25 through 27. Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left. Keep your foot from evil. This passage reminds us to stay focused on the path of righteousness, avoiding distractions that might lead us astray. The visual world can be a battlefield for our faith. In Matthew 6, 22 through 23, Jesus says, of the body "If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness?" This highlights the power of our vision in guiding our moral decision-making.

It's amazing how a simple glance (timestamp: 02:29.858) can make such a difference in our lives. Think about the story of King David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:2-4. David's wandering eye led him to commit adultery and orchestrate the death of Bathsheba's husband, Uriah. His lapse in guarding his eye gate led to a cascade of sinful actions and dire consequences for him and his family. By contrast, when we set our eyes on God's creation, his word, and the beauty around us, we can find joy and inspiration. Reflect on Psalm 19.1. The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Our eyes have the power to see God's grandeur, and it allows us to be reminded of his greatness.

Just as our eyes influence our thoughts and actions, our ears play a significant role in shaping our beliefs and emotions. Romans 10:17 says, consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word about Christ. What we listen to can build our faith or erode it. Good music, uplifting conversations, and God's word can fill our hearts with joy and peace. Conversely, negative talk, gossip, or demonic influences can lead us into spiritual turmoil. Consider the importance of listening in James 1:19. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. In Deuteronomy 6, 4 through 9, we find the Shema, a foundational Jewish prayer that starts with, hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. This prayer emphasizes the importance of listening and internalizing God's commands. By consistently hearing his word, we inscribe it on our hearts and our minds(timestamp: 04:56.105) allowing it to guide our actions and decisions. However, not everything we hear is uplifting or positive.

1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, do not be misled. Bad company corrupts good character. Listening to gossip, slander, or harmful content can corrupt our morals and lead us away from God's truth. Focusing on God's word, and allowing it to enter through our ear and eye gates is paramount. Psalm 119:105 says, your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Reading and hearing scripture consistently helps us stay on the right path. It enlightens our minds and hearts, leading us toward God's will. When we surround ourselves with positive influences, such as uplifting music, inspirational messages, and encouraging conversations, we create a spiritual environment conducive to growth and peace.

Consider the words of Philippians 4:9, whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me, put it into practice and the God of peace will be with you. By immersing ourselves in godly teachings and practices, we foster a closer relationship with God. On the other hand, we must be vigilant against negative influences that can lead to demonic oppression. Ephesians 6:12 says, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. This verse underscores the importance of guarding our ear and eye gates against demonic forces. It's not just a physical battle, it's spiritual warfare.

Consider the cautionary words of 1 Peter 5:8, be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, crawls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We must be diligent (timestamp: 07:17.886) and filtering what we allow into our minds and hearts. Negative influences, such as violent or immoral media, can open doors to spiritual oppression. Reflect on Colossians 3:2. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. By focusing on heavenly things, we protect ourselves from the corrupting influences of the world.

Here are some practical steps for guarding the gates. First, be selective with media. Choose books, movies, and music that align with your values. Speak God's word and uplift your spirit. Don't assume because a "Christian" made the music that is right for you. Next, limit your exposure to negativity. Avoid environments or conversations that breed negativity and gossip. Third, immerse yourself in scripture. Make reading and listening to the Bible a daily habit. No matter how much time you have, you've got a little time. Get in your word. Fourth, engage in uplifting conversations. Surround yourself with people who encourage and build you up, not drag you into the dumps. And then finally, pray for discernment. Ask God to help you discern what is good and beneficial for your soul.

By being proactive in these areas, we can protect our minds and our hearts from harmful influences and draw closer to God. Remember that our ear and eye gates are powerful portals. We must guard them diligently, allowing in what is pure, lovely and true while rejecting that which leads us away from God's light. Philippians 4:8 says, 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. By focusing on positive influences and the word of God, we fortify our spiritual defenses.

Thanks for tuning in this week. Please be sure to share. We all could use some encouragement (timestamp: 09:43.068) and reminders to guard the gates. Stay vigilant and be blessed. You've been listening to Going and Grace. Be sure to visit us online at brandistover.com.