Each day, we are continuously exposed to many sights and sounds – both positive and negative – even while we sleep, through our dreams or background noise.
While some negative influences are clearly harmful, others may seem inoffensive at first glance. That’s why it’s extremely important to be mindful of what we consume. Both science and the Bible agree that our minds are constantly shaped by what we watch, read and listen to.
Whether it’s a catchy song, a dramatic news headline or a short video that pops up in our feed, everything we allow through our eyes and ears leaves an imprint. Psychologists and neuroscientists have extensively studied how these external inputs affect the brain. One key concept is neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to rewire itself based on repeated exposure to certain stimuli.
A study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience found that repeated visual and auditory input influences the development of neural pathways, reinforcing specific patterns of thinking and behaviour. In short, the more we expose ourselves to a particular type of content, the more our brains become conditioned to think and respond based on that information.
Similarly, a 2022 study in the Journal of Psychological Science revealed that media exposure has a measurable impact on emotional well-being, especially when it involves negative or anxiety-inducing content. Excessive use of social media, in particular, has been linked to increased levels of stress, depression and self-doubt driven by comparison.
Yet, thousands of years before modern science confirmed it, God was already teaching us this important truth: “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22)
Knowing that whatever enters our minds becomes a seed – and that every seed will grow into something – God consistently reminds us in His Word to guard our hearts and minds, focusing on positive thoughts (see Philippians 4:8).
In light of this, the Fast of Daniel serves as an opportunity to detox our minds and nurture our spirits with what will uplift us. Our eyes and ears are gateways to our souls, so it’s essential to be mindful of what we allow in – not just during these 21 days, but throughout our entire lives.
And if you’d like to go even deeper into this topic, don’t miss our Wednesday Bible study “The 5 Senses”, where we are exploring how each of our senses can influence our spiritual lives and learn how to take control of them to serve God better and maintain our focus on Him.
Click here for more details and join us at your nearest Universal Church at 7.30pm (also at 7am, 10am and 3pm).
Sources: www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-13607-2
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4853817
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