I’m on a Diet

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  —Romans 12:2

If you’ve ever done any gardening, you know the success of your labors has a lot to do with the kind of soil you use, how often you water it, and whether or not you use fertilizer or plant food. The more you feed your plants these things, the healthier, bigger and stronger they will grow. The same is true of our mind. What we feed on directly affects our level of joy, not to mention our level of maturity and strength in the Lord. This is not to say we should isolate ourselves from the world and spend all our time reading scripture and watching religious television. It does mean we need to be aware of what we spend the majority of our time dwelling on. What we are feeding our mind will show in our actions and words. It will also affect our mood, outlook, energy level, enthusiasm and motivation. This is an area we must exercise wisdom and caution, because the enemy is always looking for a way to steal our joy. If we allow ourselves to become focused on things that are negative it will become difficult to be people of joy everyday. If I eat a steady diet of fried, sugary foods it will show around my waistline. If I feed my mind a steady diet of sad music, dark movies, and violent fiction novels, it will show in my attitude. I may even find myself tormented by sadness, anxiety, fear, resentment or bitterness. On the other hand if I am regularly feeding on God’s promises, faithfulness and power, my level of joy will stay up and be a source of strength during hard times.

Maybe this week it’s time to consult your heavenly Nutritionist about your spiritual “diet” and make a few changes.  Commit today to being open to investing in things that will strengthen you spiritually and help you grow.

#worry #resentment #anxiety #struggle #trials #spiritualgrowth #fear