Movie Theater of the Mind

Modern movie theaters are large complexes with many screens showing different movies. Ten, twenty and even thirty movies are boasted by some of the largest theaters. Moviegoers can select from drama, comedy, romance, action, science fiction and other genres. Filled with movie posters and advertisements, the lobby of one of these theaters can be quite overwhelming. Every taste, mood or whim can be accommodated by one of these movies.

In order to select a movie and know the exact starting time, potential moviegoers consult a newspaper or a website prior to arriving at the theater. In many cases tickets can be purchased in advance on the websites. Attendees can arrive at the theater knowing exactly which movie they are to see. They can choose to purchase snacks and drinks on the way in or simply walk directly to the theater number provided by the attendant.

The human mind can act like one of these movie complexes. Each day our thoughts become scenes that play in our minds. It is up to us to choose which scenes we allow to run. Scripture gives guidance on just what we should be watching every day. “For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].” (Philippians 4:8 AMP) This can only be accomplished when we choose our thoughts carefully.

The selection of thoughts that run through our minds is vast. These thoughts call out for our attention. “Reviewing Past Hurts” is showing on screen number one. “Unforgiveness”, currently number one at the box office, is showing on screen number six. “Impure Thoughts” is playing on screen 10. Do we choose from one of these as we allow the projector to roll out the scenes that run through our minds?

There is a far better selection of movies available to choose from. “Reverence and Honor” is now on screen two. “The Truth, the Noble and the Righteousness” is playing on screen 12. “Lovely” is showing in 3-D on screens three and seven. “Admirable, Excellent and Praiseworthy” is a must-see on screen 24. It’s worth the walk!

We will react best in all situations when we choose our thoughts ahead of time. The apostle Paul tells us, “And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2 AMP) Predetermining how we will think prepares us to only contemplate the best even in the most difficult situations. Rather than being overcome by our circumstances we can remain steadfast in our minds.

King David spoke to his soul, which includes the mind, commanding it to praise the Lord. “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name! Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:1-2 AMP) There were many opportunities throughout David’s life for his mind to become filled with despair, resentment and regret. Instead he chose his thoughts carefully and was called a man after God’s heart. “…He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully.” (Acts 13:22 AMP)

Love is the key that enables us to remain consistent in our thoughts. “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].” (1 Corinthians 13:7 AMP) We are also regard others above ourselves. “Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 AMP) By following these mandates to believe only the best in others, we will not be overcome by anger and revenge.

What show will play on the screen of your mind today? Will you allow your thoughts to run scenes of evil or will you choose to watch only the best? Choose well.