Brain food!

Rick (not his real name) and I enjoyed a picnic with our families yesterday. Conversation drifted into politics. As he expounded on his disdain for the current administration and the policies now shaping the nation, it was obvious he believed America was headed in the wrong direction. His daughter interrupted him to explain, “He watches Fox News all day!” He later added that he thinks Rush Limbaugh is, despite his bombast, (his word, not mine!) a man who speaks truth. He loves Sean Hannity. Rick’s views are totally consistent with his source of information. My point here is not to argue with Rick’s politics (nor yours, thanks!) but rather to observe that what he is choosing as brain food has an obvious effect on his view of the world!

Most of us are aware that diet is a big part of the general health of our body. Constant consumption of foods that are loaded with saturated fats will not only increase our likelihood of becoming overweight, it also increases, exponentially, our risk of heart disease. We know that. We also have been taught that good health requires a balanced diet including carbs, proteins, fruits, and vegetables – and some of us have reached the age where we realize the value of fiber, too.

But, I fear we are much less aware of the quality of food that we feed to our mind and spirit! We are foolish if we believe we can consume a steady diet of ‘junk’ and remain spiritually healthy. Disciple, if you’re spending 3 or 4 a day watching the usual television programming that glorifies casual sex, materialism, and violence – it will affect your life! No question about it. What plays as the background music in your home or office, will most certainly enter your brain and change your thoughts. How many times have you found yourself singing a line from a song almost unconsciously, only to realize it just played on the radio or from your PC?

A basic life principle is this: Right thinking always precedes right living. Jesus alludes to that fact when He observes that “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6: 43, 45-46, NIV) We will think clearly, with a view of life that is godly and true only if we choose the right brain food. And, if we are deceived in our thinking, we will not live in a way that leads to an abundant, Spiritually fruitful life.

Change takes time. If potato chips, hotdogs, fries, and cheeseburgers are a person’s steady diet for 25 years, there will be a discernible effect on their physical health. Turning things around will require re-training their taste to appreciate healthier fare, so they will continue to consume a diet that is balanced and full of healthful foods. A week on a good diet won’t change a thing! Only a real, sustained commitment produces weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and better energy. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, a burst of concern lasting only a few days or weeks, will not produce the desired effect! A holy life, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, will only emerge as we continue to strengthen our heart and mind with the Truth over time.

Here’s a word from the Word that points the way to peace (that is, soundness and wholeness) with God. "Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
(Philippians 4:8-9, The Message)
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Fill all my vision, Savior divine.
'Til with Thy glory, my Spirit shall shine.
Fill all my vision that all may see,
Thy holy image reflected in me.

Fill all my vision, Savior I pray.
Let me see only Jesus today,
Though thro' the valley Thou leadest me,
Give me Thy glory and beauty to see.

Fill all my vision,
Every desire keep for Thy glory.
My soul inspire with Thy perfection,
Thy holy love flooding my pathway
With light from above.

Fill all my vision, let naught of sin.
Shadow the brightness, shining within.
Let me see only Thy blessed face,
Feasting my soul on Thy infinite grace.

Fill All My Vision
Christiansen, Avis B. / Hammontree, Homer
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