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Sunday, January 28, 2024

Garbage In, Garbage Out

By Joe Chesser
 
      In the early days of computing, the expression “Garbage In, Garbage” (GIGO) became popular. In the rare case that you are unfamiliar with the expression, it basically means that flawed or incorrect information entered in a computer cannot produce anything but flawed or incorrect results. The first known use of GIGO was in a 1957 syndicated newspaper article about US Army mathematicians and their work with early computers. Army Specialist William Mellin explained that since computers cannot think for themselves, sloppy programming inevitably leads to incorrect outputs. (see the Wikipedia article for specific references to these facts).
      Even though we humans, unlike computers, do have brains and can think for ourselves, we don’t always choose to do it very well. The sad truth is that, while we do have the capability of logic and reason, our thinking processes are heavily influenced by the information we allow to shape and influence our reasoning. That can be a good thing, if the information we allow to influence us is good and wholesome. But unfortunately, much of what we choose to let enter our thoughts will lead us away from God, not toward Him.
      This kind of evil influence began way back at the beginning of time with Adam and Eve when they allowed Satan to deceive them into distrusting and disobeying God. Since then his evil influence has permeated the entire human world. Just a few generations after Adam and Eve, during the days of Noah, “the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6.5). From that point until this very moment, Satan has been successfully influencing our minds with all kinds of evil influences (movies, TV, internet, books, clothing styles, drugs, alcohol, advertisements, greed, jealousy, peer pressure, etc.). Thus the truth of GIGO. The things (garbage) we allow Satan to put into our minds will only lead us to sin which separates us from God (Isaiah 59.1-2).
      The good news is that we can, if we choose, have a lot of control over what we allow to influence us. God gives us that choice. God gives us the ability to intentionally decide to fill our heads with “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable” (Philippians 4.8a). I know this because the rest of that verse issues the challenge: “if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4.8b). Instead of fillings our heads with garbage, there are plenty of true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable things that we can choose to think about IF we want to. IF you will, you can consistently fill your minds with these kinds of things. IF you do, the results will be awesome! When Jesus was tempted by Satan, he resisted whatever Satan put before him because he had previously filled his mind with the Scriptures, good things from God (Matthew 4.1-11).
      Despite what comedian Flip Wilson claimed back in the 70s, the devil cannot make you do anything. It may seem like it at times. The devil’s influence can seem overwhelmingly powerful. Yet, we need to remember that God has placed restraints on how much and how far Satan is allowed to tempt us: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10.13). What a powerful promise from our  faithful God!!
      God gives us a choice. We can fill our heads with garbage, or we can fill our heads with things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable.
      The choice is yours. The results are predictable. “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil heart produces evil” (Luke 6.45).

- Joe Chesser worked for years with the Fruitland Church of Christ, Fruitland, MO. Now retired from full time preaching, he may be contacted at joeandareva@yahoo.com


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