The following is an adaptation from Pastor Mark Evans' teaching entitled, "Change Your Mind"

There's never a lack of content in today's age. We've got new movies, music, and TV shows all begging for our attention. That means there's always the world's point of view begging for our attention. There's a tendency to relax and take in entertainment passively, just letting it wash over us. As we do so, we're quietly ingesting whatever that entertainment has to say about the world, without us thinking critically about whether it's something that edifies us or not.

A well-known verse, Romans 12:2, tells us that we are transformed by the renewing of our mind...then we are able to test and approve what God's will is. How much time do we dedicate to truly engaging with God's Word versus making time to catch what's going on during Primetime? How often will you plan your weekend around a new movie? These things aren't inherently bad, but when we're neglecting time with God, we can start to feel out of step with him.

Being a disciple of Christ necessitates change. A change in what we endorse, in what we approve of, and intentionally setting us against what is the prevailing spirit of the world. The Bible says to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--anything excellent or praiseworthy." These are the things that will point us towards God.

When you're having your "me" time this week, consider holding off watching an episode of the latest Must See TV show and ask God what more does he have for you. He won't fail to deliver.

Northwest Gold is a series of easy-to-digest samplings from the best Northwest teachings. To read more on this topic, check out the full teaching "Change Your Mind" and also view more teachings like this on the About Discipleship sermon series page.