Mirrors of Consumption

Back in the ‘70’s & 80’s, there was a media blitz on nutrition encouraging people to eat a balanced meal consisting of the “four food groups”. The slogan for that campaign was, “You Are What You Eat”, which is actually quite impossible from a literal sense, is quite true in the sense that what a person ingests, directly effects physically that persons overall physical persona.

The same is true in regards to our other “intakes” or senses; what we see, hear, and touch. If we ingest a regular diet of song lyrics that are in opposition to God’s Word, it will augment how we think; if we watch movies or television that promotes un-Godly lifestyles, it will cause us to be tolerant to sin and wickedness. If make the person with un-Godly actions or lifestyle are biggest influence or closest friend, we then adopt the “different strokes for different folks” attitude, which is an attitude that “winks” at sin.

Our minds become spiritually corrupt, before we can realize it. We should fill our minds and hearts with the Word of God, which is the only sure defense, against sin. Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

So in reality, we all are mirrors or reflections, of what we fill our minds with, what we hide in our hearts. Something to reflect on…

…brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.  Philippians 4:8

Shouting Silently

A good defense is well, a good defense, but it may not be the best defense!
There is a time to speak up in defense, speak out to defend, but are many more times where silence is a much better choice. No one has had to learn this lesson more times or more ways, than myself.
When a person "walks in the light", their walk will be consistent; consistency needs no defense, it speaks for itself, without colorization. That is not to say when a person pops up with a defensive position, that they are in need of defending their life, but if not, it appears to others many times more like an apology for what they believe and do. We should never apologize for our faith if it is in line with the Bible, God's Word; giving a reason for the "hope that is within you", is not a defense, but rather a "testifying or dissertation" of what is, not what may be contrived. It is about a "want to" not a "have to", therefore your life and actions should need no defense.
Creation needs to be stated for sure, but to even a halfway logical mind, it needs no defense, for the obvious handiwork of God the Creator, speaks softly and confidently, and at the same time, shouts with proclamation.
So know what you believe and why you believe it, that will instill confidence in you, realize you may need to share your faith, but be careful with the defense; don't let them become apologies for your faith.
Something to reflect on!

I remind me of my cat...sorta

When I found our cat at the rescue center, the people had him in a cage and given him a name any cat would be ashamed of..."Michaelangelo"...My sweet wife was quick to insist on renaming him, said her "boy" couldn't have a sissy name, so we re-named him Harley.
In the days that followed, Harley clung to Rhealene (my wife) would not let her out of his sight, he insisted on being close to her face where he could be assured that she was there. He was a very insecure cat, although with his new family had no reason to be.
Well like any pet, he grew and developed his unique personality; he would walk around the house and sing; yes sing, not meow, or howl, but sing a very distinctive song. He learned to fetch, even better than most dogs!
To be expected he has been spoiled to the point of expecting preferencial treatment at all times. Well this is where the comparison begins.
I make sure that Harley has the best in kitty kibble; "Science Diet -Optima". It has everything he needs to be a vibrant, healthy kitty. Over the years, we began to give him treats (kittie cookies at our house), and later we added soft canned food, just a tiny bit to make his dining pleasure more enjoyable. (are you starting to see a pattern?)
Harley always has his kibble, but always wants what he doesn't have all the time, his treats and canned food. He has the run of the house all the time, although we are not always there (feeding a cat's fancy, isn't cheap we must work!). Well it's one thing when he sweetly comes up to you and with a little "meow", makes his request known, but ever increasingly he demands those things which were intended  to a blessing above the normal (do you see where I'm going with this?).
I get aggrevated with him for being bossy and insistent, then I get convicted! I wonder if I sound the same way to God sometimes? He provides all my needs, but I insist on the "Special Blessings" as my needs instead of His ample provision. I demand constant attention, want my way, and act like I am the only one that matters sometimes. That must annoy God!
The difference though is while my cat may be able to manipulate me, God cannot, and will not be manipulated. He's not a here to fulfill our every whim, but has promised to fulfill our every need. God will take care of me, he will withhold from me those things that are not in my best interest sometimes, but it's only for His best in my life.
Letting go and letting God is not easy for people with a "control freak" personality, but it is necessary to grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a Blessed Day!