Photo by Volodymyr Proskurovskyi on Unsplash
When I began working in church production, video went to tape and the best way to edit audio was with a razor blade. Lights were big, heavy and hot, and automated lighting and digital audio boards were unheard. The only thing I used a computer for was word processing.
I never imagined that I would be able to fit all my gear, cameras, lighting, and sound recording, into a backpack. I never imagined that my tablet could edit video, sound and insert effects and graphics. The Information Age has revolutionized everything we do.
But there is a principle that has come with all this high tech equipment: Garbage in - Garbage out. Even if you've never heard that phrase, I can guarantee you've practiced it. Despite how good your gear is, the end result is only as good as the programming behind it.
The “garbage in” principle is actually not new. The apostle Paul gave us a picture in his letter to the Philippians. In 4:8 he begins by saying: “do not be anxious about anything…” The word anxious actually means to be torn apart. Isn't that how anxiety feels? Like your brain is torn. You're here in this place but your mind is somewhere else.
He continues with the remedy. First, it's about prayer:
“…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
I love that description: “the peace of God which surpasses understanding.” I imagine that feeling washing over me because I've handed my anxiety over to the only power who can handle it. His peace will guard my heart and I will keep from getting the anxiety because He guards it.
You might be thinking, “That sounds great but why doesn't that work for me?” Maybe because we miss the next part of the plan:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” - Philippians 4:8-9
This is the “good stuff in” for the Christian. Paul gives us a list of the right programming that we need to put in so we can sustain the peace. He starts with the “whatever's.” Each thing could be a word study in itself but we should have a handle on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. Paul then gives us the command, “think about these things." Let your brain run on those commands.
Put that list in terms of your daily life. Are the things you're looking at on the internet on this list? How about that magazine that you purchased? The novel you're reading? The show on TV that you regularly watch? If not, then it's the “garbage in” stuff. And what are you going to get out? If your gear needs the right input, why do we think that you are any different?
Do you have peace in your life right now? Is there something that is troubling or that you're anxious about? Is your brain feeling torn? Then ask yourself: "What am I putting in?"
Also, think of the reverse. Do you have peace in your life right now? Is there something that is troubling or that you're anxious about? Is your brain feeling torn? Then ask yourself: "What am I putting in?"
Still not getting it? Well, let's break it down using the first point: truth. Often we believe the lies that we've heard about a person or a situation. Have you ever gotten upset about something that wasn't even true. We all fall into this trap. That's why our enemy is called the “Father of lies” (John 8:44) and his tactic is get us to believe the lie.
So take some time for self-evaluation. Think about what you're putting in and what is coming out. Maybe there are some activities that we need to cut. Maybe some material that we read or watch needs to get dumped in the garbage. Let that programmable gear remind you, and every time you have to enter or re-enter data, do a quick check on your own input.
