It is important that we monitor what we are taking into our bodies.

Now, yes, that means food. I think I have made it pretty clear how important I believe it is to eat healthy and take care of yourself. But it also means what we are listening to, what we are watching, and what we are taking in every day.

Do not get me wrong. I like some rap music just as much as the next guy. But I never realized the value of listening to positive things and how much it can affect your mood.

Take working out, for example. I used to think hardcore rap was the way to go if you wanted to give your best effort. But after doing some research and learning a little more, I found that it can actually stress your body out more. I have found that I perform better listening to slower-paced country music with a good message or even a motivational podcast.

There really is some truth to the negative effects of taking in junk.

I might sound like an old man here, but some of the lyrics in certain songs are just not good. For young kids growing up and listening to that stuff, they might not understand it at first, but eventually, they look it up and start learning the wrong things. I think it is important that we pay attention to what kids are listening to.

I challenge you to try something for a week. Listen to high-quality music with a good message. Maybe even some Christian music if you find the right songs. Then see how much better your mood feels.

Another thing people do is sit down and immediately turn on the news. It does not matter if it is left or right; most of it is going to put you in a bad mood. I am not saying you should ignore the news. It is important to stay informed and know what is going on in the world. I am working on getting better at that myself.

But there is a difference between staying informed and filling your mind with negativity for hours.

There is a lot of good going on in this world. There are people doing the right things every single day. There are people working hard to make things better. We just do not always hear about it.

So go find it.

Follow the good. Pay attention to the people who are making a difference. Put good things into your mind, not just the bad.

I am not saying the bad is not there. We need to know it exists. But we should be attacking it with a positive attitude.

I am working on this myself every day. Trying to be more aware of what I am taking in and how it affects me. Because at the end of the day, what we feed our minds is what we become.

1 Corinthians 8:7-9 reminds us that not everything affects everyone the same way. Something that may not bother one person could be a stumbling block for someone else.

“For some people have been so used to idols that when they eat food sacrificed to an idol, they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.”

So, it may not affect everyone the same way, but it is important to be mindful of what we are taking in and how it could impact us. Make sure it is leading you in the right direction, not the wrong one.

Have a great week and take in things that will make you a better person, not just for yourself but for the people around you.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8