One week ago, I emptied my Junk Mail folder in my email. This morning, I had 729 junk emails. In one week, 729 emails that were nothing but junk and phishing expeditions. I had everything from how to eliminate toenail fungus to buying metal roofs. I had people telling me I “won” prizes – all I had to do was send them money. I had people trying to steal my identity with “links” to other sites that were fraudulent replicas of sites I visit – to purchase items or pay bills. J-U-N-K!
I never click on a “link” in an email. If it says it is from Amazon and “your prime account has been suspended because…” I go directly to Amazon to see if that is true. It never is. So the email goes to the Junk Mail folder and I try to “block” that sender. It seems they always come back because they use a different “sender” account.
You must be so careful about what arrives in your email inbox.
You must be so careful about what tries to invade your heart and mind in this world also.
Philippians 4:1-8 gives some practical counsel to believers. It is the type of counsel we should remind ourselves of frequently. It reminds us to stand firm and to help our co-workers to do likewise. It reminds us to rejoice always in the LORD and to be gracious to everyone. It reminds us not to worry about anything, but to lift our concerns to God with thanksgiving.
Those verses also tell us that when we do those things, “the peace of God, which surpasses every thought will guard [our] hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” [HCSB]
Then it tells us to focus not on the evil but on those things that are honorable, pure, lovely, and commendable.
If we do learn those things – and do them – then the God of peace will be with us. And He will guard our minds against the J-U-N-K of this world. Amen.