Curating What You Consume
You are allowed to close things.
On choosing your inputs on purpose.
The big idea
An unmanaged feed is not neutral. Somebody is choosing for you.
What does “Curating What You Consume” walk through?
A Standard For Input
Philippians 4:8 · KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
In plain English
Whatever is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely and admirable — think about these things.
Permission To Close
Nothing obliges you to finish what you started watching. The list Paul gives is not a rule for publishers — it is a rule for you, about what earns more of your mind.
Store The Good
Psalms 119:11 · KJV
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
In plain English
I have stored up your word in my heart, so that I might not sin against you.
“Curation is not censorship. It is deciding that your attention is worth aiming.”
Do Not Be Squeezed
Romans 12:2 · KJV
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
In plain English
Don't be shaped by this world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you can discern what God's good and perfect will is.
Conformity Is Passive
Being shaped by the world takes no effort at all. Transformation is the part that requires a decision, and it usually starts with something small you stop consuming.
Pray
God, give me the nerve to close what is forming me badly. Amen.
Write it down
What is one input you would be healthier without?
Close one tab
Not all of them. One.
Which passages does this journey use?
3 passages, drawn from Philippians 4:8, Psalms 119:11, Romans 12:2. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 6 minutes for the whole thing, or 7 short sittings.
- Philippians 4:8
- Psalms 119:11
- Romans 12:2
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Your Phone and Your Soul
All Your Phone and Your Soul →The Attention Diet
What you feed your mind becomes your life.
What Scrolling Costs You
Counting the price of an ordinary hour.
Digital Sabbath
Practising a day that does not need you.
Your Phone And Your Prayer Life
The first thing you reach for.
The First Five Minutes Awake
How a day gets its direction.
Being Present With People
Half-attention is its own kind of absence.