SERIES: Philippians: Cheerful Sounds from a Jail Cell
GIGO: Reprogramming Our Minds
SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus
Introduction: I am more or less computer illiterate. That’s OK, because I have a Macintosh (that’s a friendly little dig at all the PC friends I have in the church). At any rate, there is an awful lot of computer terminology I don’t understand. But one of the first terms I learned when I got my first computer was GIGO. Do you know what it means? Many of you know: garbage in, garbage out. It means that if you enter inaccurate or incomplete information into a computer, you will get inaccurate or incomplete information out of it. Input determines output.
Despite the tremendous advances in computer technology, we have witnessed in the past decade, the human brain remains far and away the greatest computer of all. The average brain, weighing about 3 pounds, contains 12 billion cells, each of which is connected to 10,000 other brain cells, totaling 120 trillion brain connections. No wonder scientists have stated, “The human brain is the most complex arrangement of matter in the universe.”[i]
Dr. Gerhard Dirks, who holds 50 patents on the IBM computer, said nearly ten years ago that he acquired most of his inventive ideas from studying the functions of the human brain. Commenting on its complexity, he stated, “If we could invent a computer that would duplicate the capabilities of the human brain, it would take a structure the size of the Empire State Building, just to house it.”[ii] I suppose with some of the advances of the past ten years the size of that building could be reduced to something more on the scale of the Gold Tower in Westport, but imagine getting all that in a size 7 hat?
The brain supervises everything you do, from the involuntary beat of your heart to the conscious decisions of life. It controls hearing, sight, smell, speech, eating, resting, learning, prejudices, and everything else that makes you behave as you do. Most scientists agree that although we cannot consciously control all the functions of our brain, most people could regulate far more of those functions than they realize. What you see and hear is the primary means of communicating to your brain. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of using these receptors properly, for how you employ them largely determines how you think, and how you think will determine how you live. Apparently, everything we see, hear, touch, and smell is recorded on the lobes of our brain, never to be completely forgotten (unless of course you have to take a test on it).
In other words, the computer term, GIGO, garbage in, garbage out, applies to the computer that is the human brain as well as the computers made by IBM, Apple, Digital, and Compaq. Furthermore, I have discovered that this term GIGO, actually predates the computer age by several thousand years. Let me share, for example, a text written nearly 3,000 years ago: Proverbs 4:23 says, “Watch over your heart (i.e., your thought processes) with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life.” Proverbs 23:7 adds, “For as a man thinks within himself, so is he.”
The Apostle Paul too was familiar with GIGO; I’m certain of that. But he put his focus here in Phil. 4 on the parallel computer term which many of you have not heard of (which is understandable, since I just made it up!), EIEO: It means “Excellence in, excellence out.” It comes from Phil. 4:8-9. These two verses are out Scripture text for today.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul goes to great length here to impress upon us that “input determines output” in the human mind. He opens our brief text today by telling us …
How we should think
First, to set the stage for our text and to highlight how important right thinking is, I want to address several …
Categories of wrong thinking.
1. Negative thinking. Some people are professional pessimists; they assume the worst about everything. I once knew a man who fit that description. You couldn’t be around him for two minutes without hearing something negative. On a committee he was the first one to find reasons why things had to change and the first to find reasons for not making changes. When I would meet this guy, I felt like greeting him, not with the normal, “How’s it going today?” but with, “How bad is it today?”
Negative thinkers usually have a poor self-image and relatively poor or shallow relationships with other people, for negative thinking does not provide a solid glue for bonding with people. In fact, someone has said that the only thing a negative thinker is good for is to borrow money from. He never expects to be repaid.
I’m convinced that negative thinking is a habit, not a disease. By that I mean it is chosen behavior for which a person is responsible, and it can be changed if a person really wants to. I’m not without sympathy for those whose lives have been characterized by some very bad circumstances, some very bad choices, and ] some very bad results. I recognize that these things tend to pile up on one another and can lead a person to view life very negatively. I also know that negative thinking sometimes begins very early in life.
But as a biblical expositor I can give no quarter to myself or anyone else who says regarding a negative thought pattern, “That is just the way I am, and I cannot change,” for that is tantamount to committing psychological suicide. The reason some choose not to change their negative thought patterns is because it is easier to think negatively. The negative thinker doesn’t have to live up to high expectations because he doesn’t have any.
There’s no question but that negative thinking is wrong thinking, but what do we do about it? Let me share some practical ways of overcoming it:
Review the past and see how very seldom your negative expectations have materialized.
Consider the character of God, who is powerful, faithful, compassionate, and your Father. Jer. 29:11 says, “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
Read the last chapter of the Book. Dwell on the fact that Scripture tells us that the ultimate climax of history will be enormously positive for God’s children.
Practice looking for good things to comment about. They’re there if you look for them, and a new habit may develop.
Negative thinking, friends, is wrong thinking.
2. Vulgar thinking. I use the term “vulgar” here in the Old English sense of “common,” as opposed to noble. There are many people, Christians among them, whose tastes in many areas are vulgar or common. Now I don’t want to sound like a highbrow here, because I’m not, and I do want to acknowledge that there is a legitimate difference in taste in music, art, literature, and TV. I grant that. But I don’t think one needs to be a highbrow to recognize that there are some things that are common and vulgar (not necessarily sinful, mind you, but basically valueless) in building character and culture.
3. Immoral thinking. If you have a TV and a VCR, and most families do, you know that immorality is the byword in virtually everything produced by the movie industry. Books are just as bad, and magazines are worse. We are fortunate to live in a city that is fairly clean morally, at least on the surface. We are not bombarded with advertising for adult bookstores, adult theaters, topless bars, etc., like many large cities are. But even here, and certainly on the road, there is ample opportunity to feed one’s mind with immorality.
The tragedy is that we have been tricked by the Enemy into thinking that if we stay away from the worst that society has to offer, we’re safe. For example, if we don’t watch X-rated movies, we’re not guilty of filling our minds with immorality. But today’s R-rated movies are worse than the X-rated movies of the previous generation, and very few movies available today qualify according to Phil. 4:8 as something upon which we should think. Is it any wonder that many in the church have minds that desperately need reprogramming?
Charles Colson tells of sitting at dinner with the president of one of the three major networks. Colson felt he had a tremendous opportunity to influence the man. He told him how millions of Christians are offended by the network’s programming. Knowing that executives are interested in profit, he suggested that it would be good business to air family entertainment, adding that “there are fifty million born-again Christians out there.” The executive looked at Colson quizzically, and Colson assured him that was Gallup’s latest figure.
Colson then suggested they show more films like “Chariots of Fire.” The network executive responded that CBS ran that very film as a primetime movie just months before and he asked if Colson was aware of the ratings. Colson says, “All at once I knew I was in trouble.” The president of the network explained, “That night NBC showed “On Golden Pond;” it was #1 with 25.2% of all TV sets in America tuned in. Close behind was “My Mother’s Secret Life,” a show about a mother hiding her past as a prostitute.” It was #2 with 25.1%. And coming in third on CBS was “Chariots of Fire,” a big money loser with 11.8%. In fact, of the 65 shows rated that week, “Dallas” was #1, “Chariots of Fire” was #57.” Then the executive drove the sword home, “So where are your 50 million born-again Christians, Mr. Colson?”
Colson concludes, “Good question. Where are we? If even half of Gallup’s fifty million born-again Christians had watched the show with the Christian message, “Chariots of Fire” would have topped the ratings. But the disturbing truth, as studies by the secular networks as well as the Christian Broadcasting network show, is that the viewing habits of Christians are no different than those of non-Christians! Since TV is a business, it gives its customers—the public—what they want. It is but a mirror image of us.”[iii]
I am not suggesting a new legalism which forbids TV and the cinema, but I will say that I believe it is impossible for anyone who spends the bulk of their evenings, month after month, watching the major networks or the major contemporary music or movie videos, to be a healthy, Spirit-filled Christian. Let me say that again, because some of you are going to be offended by it, and if I offend you sufficiently, perhaps you will give some thought to what I am saying. It is impossible for anyone who spends the bulk of their evenings, month after month, watching the major networks or the major contemporary videos, to be a healthy, Spirit-filled Christian. We need to take control of our minds. We need to make Christ Lord of our prime time.
A fourth category of wrong thinking I want to touch upon is what I would call …
4. Narrow thinking. I suspect many Christian people have an unusual problem with this. One of our strengths is that we have convictions, but convictions don’t have to be oblivious to new data. We must not wear blinders on our minds; we must not say, “I’ve made up my mind so don’t confuse me with the facts.” Years ago I had a conviction that it was wrong to intermarry, and though I wouldn’t say so, I believed that the darker the skin of the non-white party the worse it was. Then I was forced to go to the Scripture and study the issue, and I discovered nothing to substantiate my conviction. So I changed it. Our thinking should be as narrow as the Scripture, but it should also be as broad as the Scripture.
Finally, there is …
5. Selfish thinking. Tragically, for some, their whole lives are controlled by materialism. Economics and the prospect of financial gain form the sole basis for their choice of a college, a job, friends, spouse, even church (that’s why some churches develop and maintain a “country-club atmosphere”). Why are we in this state of affairs? Well, one reason again is the TV. It is on an average of seven hours per day in the American home. When students finish high school, they will have watched an average of 350,000 commercials. Is there any way they can escape being dedicated materialists?
Friends, these are five categories of wrong thinking, common but dangerous. I’ve spent a lot of time this morning dealing with them, but my hope is that this survey will prepare us for the categories of right thinking which Paul offers in verse 8 of Phil. 4.
Categories of right thinking. The Apostle begins by saying that “whatever is true . . . think on these things.” In each of these cases I want us to consider the meaning of the category but also to describe the opposite. Sometimes we can learn as much from studying what something isn’t as what it is.
1. Whatever is true. The term “true” refers to that which corresponds to reality and stands in contrast to all that is deceptive and illusory. The wise Christian will give more time to history, science, and biography that he does to fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. I think he will generally prefer realism in art to surrealism or cubism.
2. Whatever is noble. This term is translated “honest” in the KJV, but it really refers to things that are dignified, worthy and respectable. In contrast, there are things in this world which are frivolous, flippant and cheap, things which are attractive only to the light-minded. In that regard I can’t help but think of Pee Wee Herman—that guy is about two quarts low, and I can’t for the life of me see anything noble about him. The current Presidential campaign is often a parallel of silliness in the political world. The wise Christian prefers serious character sketches and a dignified discussion of the issues.
3. Whatever is right. This is the term commonly translated “just” or “righteous” in the N.T. It refers to “duty faced and duty done.” There are those who set their thoughts on comfort, convenience, and the easy way out. They do just enough to get by. The Christian’s thoughts are on what is right, not just what works.
4. Whatever is pure. This term describes that which is morally pure and undefiled, fit to be brought into the presence of God and used in the service of God. In contrast, there is so much in the world that is sordid, shabby and smutty. It is possible even for a Christian to develop such bad habits of the mind that he soils what is pure. The book of Jude speaks of those whose “eyes are full of adultery.” He’s not accusing them of physical adultery but rather of walking down the streets with their eyes at breast-level. The person who constantly speaks or thinks in double entendres is also violating this command to “think upon whatever is pure.”
5. Whatever is lovely. The word means “attractive” or “winsome.” Our society has sold women a bill of goods, namely the view that beauty is the same as sensuality. But every man knows the difference between a beautiful sensual woman and a beautiful, lovely woman. Paul urges us to seek out and think about that which is lovely. The same would apply to all human relationships.
6. Whatever is admirable. The AV has “of good report.” It seems to refer to that which is approved among men in general. Here Paul is teaching much the same truth that he addresses in Romans 12:17: “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” My understanding of this verse is that Christians are not to violate the accepted etiquette of their society. Starla says it’s fine to belch in public in Hong Kong, but not here, and the Christian who does so will turn people off and hurt his testimony. I think this applies to our thought lives as well, and it corresponds to our earlier comments about vulgarity. We are to think about that which is admirable.
Paul concludes his list with two other terms: “If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
7. Whatever is excellent. The word “excellence” here is one of the great words in classical Greek, generally translated, “virtue.” It was often on the lips of the great Greek philosophers, but Paul does not therefore avoid it. All truth is God’s truth, and even the world has its nobilities and its chivalries, just as it has its impurities and degradations. The opposite of “excellence” would be “worthlessness.”
8. Whatever is praiseworthy. Praiseworthy is a similar term. It tells us that we should think about the kinds of things that receive universal human approval, such as heroism, patriotism, and philanthropy.
Now before we leave this list of categories of right thinking, I want you to recognize that this list is not particularly “spiritual.” By that I mean, it’s quite different from the list of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc., many of which were almost exclusively Christian terms). It is really more ethical than spiritual, and in fact virtually every item in Paul’s list here is found in similar lists of ancient Greek philosophers. I think there’s a point to that. You don’t have to be so spiritual that you can’t enjoy great architecture or a visit to the St. Louis Art Museum or a pops concert at Queeny Park. Even the secular is good food for thought if it is excellent and praiseworthy.
Now in verse 9 the Apostle turns from how we should think to …
How we should live (9)
The present value of a fine example. In fact, Paul offers the example of someone he knew quite well—himself: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.” It is one thing to urge abstract ethical concepts on people, and another to show them in practical terms, in real flesh and blood, how it is done. There are many places in his letters when Paul sets forth his own life as an example; in fact, he has already done so in this letter in 3:17. But never is he quite so bold as in this verse. He speaks first of what he taught them, referring to the interpretations and applications of the OT Scriptures. Then he speaks of what they “received,”which is a technical term for the apostolic doctrine which he handed down to them.
But Paul goes beyond the doctrine he passed on and the personal instruction and interpretation he offered. He tells the Philippians to copy that which they have heard and seen in him. There are tragically few teachers and preachers who can speak like that. And yet it remains true that personal example is an essential part of teaching. The teacher must practice the doctrine which he professes and must demonstrate in action the truth which he expresses in words.
By the way, don’t forget that the Scriptures not only offer us examples; they also urge us to beexamples. In 1 Tim 4:12 Paul urges “Show yourself an example of those who believe.” In Titus 2:7 the instruction is, “In all things show yourself an example of good deeds.” 1 Peter 5:3 adds that the elders of the church are called upon to “be examples to the flock.”
We have seen the present value of a fine example. Secondly, he speaks of …
The ultimate value of following it. Our brief text closes with this promise: “And the God of peace will be with you.” In verse 7 we were told how to find the peace of God. Here we are told how to enjoy the God of peace. It is prayer that makes available the peace of God. It is right thinking and right living that allows us to fellowship with the God of peace.
There can be no higher blessing than this and no greater incentive to reprogram our minds. Those who accept Paul’s program and put it to work in their minds will have a special awareness of God’s presence and will enjoy His peace.
Conclusion: Most Christians I know, myself included, struggle with holiness and maturity. We know what God wants us to be and to do, but temptation blindsides us and failure is frequent. Is there any way to be delivered from the one-step-forward, two-steps-back routine? Yes, I think there is, and I think our brief text today may be the key. We can conquer those secret sins only as our thought patterns are changed by the Word of God.
Every temptation comes to us via our thoughts. These must be replaced by wholesome thoughts. Paul says in Romans, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The difference between worldliness and godliness is a renewed mind. Your mind shapes your life. The old adage puts it succinctly: “You aren’t what you think you are; but what you think, you are?”
I have read that there is a sign on the Alaskan Highway which says: “Choose your rut carefully because you’ll be in it for the next 300 miles.” The same is true for our lives. The choices we make mentally will determine the course, quality, and attitudes of life. choose well!
I don’t want to give anyone the impression today that this transforming of our minds is easy. We’re talking spiritual warfare here. In 2 Cor. 10:3-5 Paul wrote, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
The first step in housecleaning our mind is to identify specifically the thoughts that must be swept out. Make a list of the wrong thought patterns that plague you. Secondly, be prepared for the discipline of spiritual warfare. Declaring war on your thought life probably means that you must set aside time every morning to begin your offensive attack through prayer, meditation, Bible study, and Scripture memory. Memorize verses that deal directly with troublesome thought patterns.
GIGO and EIEO are not only computer terms; they are also laws God has built into our universe. Garbage in, garbage out; excellence in, excellence out. Input determines output. We can’t break these laws, but we can be broken by them. May God help us today to begin a process of mind renewal.
DATE: September 4, 1988
Tags:
Attitude
Mind
Negativity
Excellence
[i] https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/the-human-brain-is-the-most-complex-structure-in-the-universe-let-s-do-all-we-can-to-unravel-its-mysteries-9233125.html.
[ii] https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php?id=146508
[iii] Charles Colson, Who Speaks for God, 129-130.