I have focused on what I eat for as long as I can remember. How many calories is in that tiny bag of gummy bears? If I eat this apple now, will I have enough calories left for the rest of the day? Is drinking sweet tea really worth the liquid calories? If I have a salad at lunch, maybe I can have a few French fries with my supper. If focusing on what foods I put in my mouth was an Olympic sport, I would have multiple gold medals.
Eating a healthy diet is important. There is no doubt that eating an apple is better for you than eating chocolate dipped peanuts. But is eating healthy all that matters? Think about everything else you “consume” on a day-to-day basis. I saw a meme on Pinterest this week, but after doing research could not find who actually said it. No matter who may have originated the quote, the truth that it contains is undeniable.
“Your diet is not only what you eat. It’s what you watch, what you listen to, what you read, the people you hang around. Be mindful of the things you put into your body emotionally, spiritually, and physically.” While my focus for a large portion of my life has been on what I have physically eaten, I am learning that what I eat is only a small portion of what I consume that truly matters. What have I been listening to, watching, reading? Who have I chosen to spend my time with? These things truly will shape who you are.
Jesus, in Matthew 15:17-20, explains why what we choose to consume matters so much to our well-being. “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. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person.” Jesus knew that the information you allow in your mind will shape you as much as the food you eat can shape your waistline.
Don’t just watch the latest, most popular movie or television show. Don’t just read the latest book. Don’t just listen to the music that is on the Top 40 list. The author of Proverbs knew that guarding your heart from the ways of this world was of most importance. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths of your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:23-27)
As a Christian, your future can be a glorious one. However, what you decide to consume will begin to determine greatly the type of future you will have. What you consistently read, watch, and listen to will shape your life, either for good or for bad. So, what are you choosing to consume? Are you craving the beautiful words of the Lord? Feed your body emotionally, spiritually, and physically with all of the wonderful things God gives us.
This week’s recipe is a yummy way to use up any extra veggies you may have in your fridge. The base of this salad is cabbage, but feel free to add any veggies your family likes to this delicious salad. My family loves it and I hope yours does too!
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
December 20, 2024
