What Are You Taking In?

Let's talk about the things we take into our hearts, minds, and souls. Every day, we’re surrounded by messages, influences, and ideas. Some of them stick, and many shape us more than we realize.

In Proverbs 4:23, we’re reminded, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” What we allow into our hearts and minds affects how we think, feel, and live. It’s worth asking ourselves: What are we taking in? And how can we be intentional about filling ourselves with things that bring life and draw us closer to God?

Every day, we’re taking in messages from the world—the things we watch, listen to, and read. These things shape how we see ourselves, others, and even God. Some of these messages can be uplifting, but let’s be honest: a lot of them aren’t. Without realizing it, we can easily be pulled into fear, comparison, or negativity.

You may have heard the saying, “You become like the people you spend the most time with.” The same idea applies to the content we consume—it shapes who we are.

Romans 12:2 challenges us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

When we take in the wrong things, it can lead to stress, doubt, and even a skewed view of ourselves and God. That’s why it’s important to evaluate what we’re consuming.

Take a moment to reflect on what you’re allowing into your life. Ask yourself:

1. What am I watching, listening to, or reading the most?

2. How do these things make me feel?

3. Are they drawing me closer to God or pulling me away from Him?

If something isn’t building you up or aligning with God’s truth, it might be time to hit the pause button.

While the world offers endless distractions, God offers truth. The Bible is like living water for our souls—refreshing, strengthening, and giving us wisdom for daily life. When we make time to absorb Scripture, it cuts through the noise of the world and fills us with clarity and peace.

Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” When we take in God’s Word, it changes us from the inside out. It becomes a foundation for us, especially during tough times.

Think of Scripture as the nourishment that helps us grow into strong, thriving trees—steady and fruitful no matter the circumstances.

Being intentional about what we take in doesn’t mean shutting ourselves off from the world. It means choosing wisely. It’s about filling up on things that align with God’s truth so that we have the strength, wisdom, and joy to navigate life and help others along the way.

Here’s a challenge: Memorize one Bible verse this week and think about how you can apply it in your daily life. Let’s take God’s Word off the pages and into our hearts.

Here’s an important truth: What we absorb doesn’t just stay inside us—it overflows into how we live. Think of a sponge. When it’s squeezed, whatever it has soaked up spills out. The same is true for us. If we’re full of God’s love, peace, and truth, that’s what will flow out of us. But if we’re full of stress, anger, or negativity, that will spill out instead.

Matthew 12:34 reminds us, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” If our hearts are full of gratitude, kindness, and God’s love, those things will naturally overflow into our relationships and actions.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden... In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Reflecting God’s light to the world begins with what we’ve absorbed from Him.

This week, pay attention to what’s overflowing from your life. Are your words kind and encouraging? Is your attitude hopeful and uplifting? If not, take a moment to evaluate what you’re absorbing daily.

Remember, what we take in daily shapes who we are and how we interact with the world. That’s why it’s so important to guard our hearts, fill our minds with God’s Word, and focus on things that bring life.

Psalm 19:14 offers this prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

Let’s take in things that honor God, allowing His love to overflow from our lives.

Be intentional this week about what you’re taking in—and how you’re living it out.