I was on a commuter vehicle sometime ago. As we continued the journey, the driver turned on the stereo player and began to play one of those worldly songs. At first, I managed to endure since it’s not my car. After some minutes, I had to speak up; “Sir, could you please stop that music and let’s listen to something sane.” Thank God he obliged. It was a journey of about four hours. I had to protect my spirit.

Friend, you have the responsibility of protecting your spirit. Whatever enters your spirit would eventually enter your life. This was why we were admonished to, “guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). If you don’t mount some guards on your heart, you would leave it at the mercy of the environment.

The activities that go on around your life would determine the condition of your heart or spirit per time. When you feel discouraged, fearful, horny etc., for no reason, you have probably opened yourself to a wrong feed. Your spiritual sensitivity is a function of what you are exposed to. Samuel was placed in the temple and his spirit became attuned to the voice of God (1 Samuel 3:1-11). What if he was placed in a shrine?

“How forcible are right words…” (Job 6:25). Words are powerful; they can make or mar you. You are what you hear. Your spirit responds to what it is exposed to. When you hear the right words your spirit is energized but when you are exposed to the wrong words your spirit is broken (Proverbs 17:22). You have to be intentional about what you expose your spirit to.

Not every conversation is healthy for you. Some conversations may not be sinful but are dangerous to your spirit. Avoid listening to mockers, doubters and murmurers; they affect your spirit (1 Timothy 6:20). The secret of the blessed man in Psalms 1:1-3 is tied to his relationships; you cannot be more blessed than what you are exposed to.

“The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14). Your spirit is the foundation of your very life; it is the real you. Protect it. Don’t let anything or anyone pollute it. Not all news are meant for you. Not all music is okay for you even if it is not sinful. Not all conversations are worthy of your participation. If you cannot stop a conversation or music, simply walk away; you would be better for it.

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria