Webster's
dictionary defines brainwashed as "to indoctrinate so intensely and
thoroughly as to effect a radical transformation of beliefs and mental
attitudes." When we hear the word "brainwashed," we normally
think of a commune of people who can't think for themselves because they’re in
a cult. They blindly follow the orders of their domineering leader whose
chief aim is to be exalted and control others.
But
what about the not-so-obvious forms of brainwashing? Is it possible
the news media and other TV programs are trying to brainwash their
viewers by slandering those who don't line up with their agenda? When a girl
in high school is pressured to compromise her beliefs to be popular, isn't that also a form of brainwashing? Can it even happen in legalistic
churches? Here are some common denominators in brainwashing:
1) Following
a leader primarily out of fear of upsetting him
2)
Feeling pressured to think or act a certain way
3)
Being belittled if you don't to conform
4)
The loss of spiritual joy and freedom
5)
Feeling guilty, even when you haven’t done anything wrong
6)
Not growing closer to the Lord in spite of being highly involved in the
organization
God
has called us to freedom, not bondage (Gal. 5:13). Jesus told His disciples,
"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"
(John 8:32). If you’re not free, you are not experiencing the truth.
But
I'd like to present a different idea about being brainwashed. Our minds are unclean
and we need to have them washed! Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse our
guilty consciences and set us free. "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead
works to serve the living God?" (Heb. 9:14).
Although
Jesus shed His blood 2,000 years ago, He can cleanse your mind with His blood today
"through the eternal
Spirit" who transcends time. Do you need your brains washed? Get honest
with God, admit your sins to Him, and the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse
you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
NEW BIBLE STUDIES
When did Satan enter Judas? Did the devil enter him once or twice?
What does “poor in spirit”mean? It’s
not about your finances!
Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174
Thank you to all who support this
discipleship ministry.
