Where Will You Be in 5 Years?

Where will you be in 5 years? Have you thought about it? I’ve heard it said that in 5 years you will be the sum total of the books you read and the people you associate with. What books are you reading and what kind of people are you associating with?

I have a friend who is into a particular soap opera and he says it doesn’t affect him emotionally. I disagree very strongly. I know this soap well, for I was addicted to it myself! After watching it every day, for about 6 years, I was usually left in a paralyzed state of mind. My friend is so accustomed to his state of mind that I know he doesn’t even realize it.

We have to be very careful what we subject ourselves to. Everything has an influence! I believe we must protect our minds. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life."

I believe what we focus on is attracted into our lives. For example; if a woman is reading romance novels, she may view her real world as lacking romance, if she is comparing her life to a fantasy. Harboring thoughts of lack is not good! The same with watching scary movies. These shows leave a person with a sense of fear. The Bible says over and over… “Fear not!” I believe fear is nothing more than faith in the devil.

“According to your faith, so be it unto thee,” for “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Matt 9:29, Prov 23:7) Where is your faith and what are you thinking?

Friends, we only have two sources of thought; that which we generate ourselves and that which is external stimulus. Both are in our direct control and we have a responsibility to control them. Again, Proverbs 4:23: "Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life."

In 5 years you will be the sum total of the books you’ve read and the people you’ve associated with. In other words, you will be the sum total of what you have allowed into your mind. If what you are allowing into your mind on a regular basis is not jiving with your 5 year goals, please be advised.