In September, we traveled coast to coast. We were in California on the 2nd and in Florida on the 30th. During that time, we’ve visited ten different churches, seen several amazing sights, experienced four different time zones, and dealt with temperatures ranging from below freezing to way, way above my comfort zone. Some churches met in steepled buildings while others worshipped in storefronts. Some pastors were young while others were, ahem, more experienced. Some congregations were large, while others were smaller. Yes, in one month, we’ve dealt with all kinds of differences.

Oddly enough, though, one thing remained the same. No matter where we traveled—north, south, east, west—the topic of conversation remained the same. Whether we were meeting in a church house or a restaurant, there seemed to be only two items of discussion on everyone’s minds—the coronavirus and politics. At some point in every conversation, one or both of these topics came up, and usually, once they were present, they remained. We’ve heard more opinions about COVID and the upcoming elections than I thought possible. Yes, we’ve heard it all—the good, the bad, and especially the ugly.

It makes sense that these two topics would be so prevalent in conversation. After all, they are on everyone’s minds, right? But the more I thought about it, the more I wondered if that’s a good thing. Is it a good thing that our minds are so full of concern and frustration over the coronavirus and politics that it’s all we can think about and, therefore, all we can talk about? Is it healthy for Christians to be so bogged down by the weight of this world that we are becoming unproductive in spreading the love of Christ? Who has time to tell the old, old story when we have the latest news reports to discuss.

I’m not saying we need to be like the ostrich who buries his head in the sand. The world is full of trouble. There’s no denying it or escaping it. But in the process of filling our minds with the latest COVID numbers and the newest scandal in the political arena, I fear we’re hindering our walk with God. Our minds are so full of trouble and strife, there’s no room for peace and joy.

Think on these things. What things?  

Things that are true and honest. Well, there goes politics.  

Things that are just, pure, and lovely. I don’t think the coronavirus qualifies.

Things of good report. Well, that pretty much counts out all the news these days, doesn’t it?

Again, I’m not implying that we should be ignorant or uninformed. However, if Christians would spend as much time reading their Bibles as they do reading the newspaper, our world would be in a much better state. If Christians would turn off the television and take time to pray, our churches would be fuller and our lives more fruitful. And, if Christians would spend more time thinking about the love and faithfulness of God instead of all the bad news floating around, there would be a lot less stress and a lot more peace. It’s time for us to start thinking about what we’re thinking about.

Let’s face it, what we think about affects us and those around us more than words can say. It dictates our speech and determines our moods. It influences our actions and impacts our overall health. Thoughts are powerful and can build us up or tear us down. That’s why we need to pay attention to what’s going on in that noggin of ours. A thought life filled with negativity can be deadly.

So, when was the last time you thought about what you’re thinking about?