We live in a world filled with darkness and evil, where harmful customs and ways of life are spreading everywhere. As Christians, we are called to be carriers of light, showing the world the right way to live. But sometimes, even as we try to influence the world (cosmos) for good, we find ourselves being influenced and drawn away by the ways of the world.

Jesus warned us that it’s not what we eat that makes us unclean, but the words that come out of our mouths. These words can shape us to fit the world’s mold. As He said, “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” (Matthew 15:17-18). If these harmful words are coming from our hearts, then something must have entered our hearts to cause this. That’s why the Bible advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23).

The main gateways to our hearts are our eyes and our ears—and interestingly, we have two of each. What you watch and what you listen to affects you, whether you realize it or not. The music you listen to and the movies you watch can gradually change your beliefs, little by little. The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” But just as faith comes by hearing God’s Word, it can also be weakened or lost by listening to things that are not good for your soul.

There’s always a buildup of whatever you expose yourself to, which can slowly make you ignore or even accept things that you, as the light of the world, should be standing against. As Jesus said, “If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23). I hope the light you’re shining is truly light and not darkness. What kind of influence are you leaving behind everywhere you go? People are watching you, whether you know it or not, and your actions could make a big difference in someone else’s life.

May God bless you and guide you in guarding your heart!