Guard Your Mind Through Godly Influences

The people we associate with and the teaching we receive can influence our thinking and conduct, so believers must choose their influences carefully.

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The influences believers allow into their lives can affect their thinking and conduct, so they must choose them wisely.

• Paul warns that evil communications corrupt good manners, showing that the company a person keeps can affect conduct.
• Repeated exposure to certain ways of thinking and behaving can make them seem normal.
• Becoming a believer does not mean that every former habit or pattern of thinking disappears immediately.
• Spiritual growth includes learning to recognize influences that do not agree with God's Word.
• The answer is not merely to identify harmful influences but also to give attention to what is true, good, and pleasing to God.
• The mind and conduct of a believer should increasingly reflect the truth of Scripture rather than the patterns of the surrounding world.

• Examine how your friendships and regular conversations influence your thinking and conduct.
• Be careful about repeatedly listening to teaching that contradicts God's Word.
• Choose fellowship that encourages faithfulness to Christ.
• Notice habits of thought or conduct that you have adopted from harmful influences.
• Fill your mind with what is true and good according to Scripture.
• Allow God's Word to correct your thinking and shape your daily conduct.