Christian Concepts
We Are What We Eat
by Graham Pockett
In this world of instant gratification and over indulgence we
lose sight of the fact that we are what we eat. Eat the wrong
foods and our bodies will become polluted because food is our
fuel and we must help the engine that drives our bodies.
But partaking of the wrong things is not limited to food. If we
watch movies with extensive sexual references, or with excessive
violence in them, our minds become polluted. We start to accept
these excesses as 'normal' and our behavior is shaped
accordingly.
We cannot associate with a particular group of people without
their attitudes and morals affecting us. If you associate with
people who constantly swear then you will soon find yourself
following them in the use of profanity. It takes a conscious
effort to mix with people continually and not be affected by
their behavior, their thoughts and desires, their lifestyle.
This applies both ways. If we associate with people who do not
swear, who hold to reasonably high moral values, who are
Bible-believing Christians, then we too will soon find ourselves
copying their behavior and attitudes.
The Bible says that "a man reaps what he sows"
(Galatians 6:7) and that is very true when it comes to the
lifestyle we lead and the things we absorb through our senses. We
have to watch what we do and think. God doesn't want us to just
go through the motions of 'right living' but to hold in our
hearts the concept that we should live in accordance with the
Bible.
Discipline starts in the mind. Jesus said "anyone who looks
at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in
his heart" (Matthew 5:28). It isn't always just the acts
that we have to be careful of, but the very thoughts that precede
those acts.
When Paul was talking to the Roman Jews he said: "And if by
grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no
longer be grace." (Romans 11:6 NIV)
Paul was talking about actions alone not being sufficient. We can
publicly be holy and pious but it is what is in our hearts that
is most important, and if our hearts or minds are not in
alignment with our actions then we are only deluding other people
about our relationship with God. God is not fooled by actions --
He knows what is truly in your heart!
It is not easy to reverse a lifestyle followed for many years. If
that lifestyle is a positive one with Jesus as the example, then
transgressions are likely to be brief unless we consciously walk
away from Him. Likewise, if that lifestyle is one that embraces
criminal activities (speeding, avoiding taxes, not being honest
with shopkeepers, etc), lustful thoughts or other anti-social
activities then we will find it hard to break free from that
negative influence.
But it is truly worth the effort. By consciously curbing what we
see, hear, eat, etc and modifying our behavior so that our
lifestyle honors Jesus and does not insult Him, we will find it
progressively easier to live that lifestyle.
Besides, whom do you think it better to impress -- a group of
beer-swilling, loud-mouthed acquaintances, or your Heavenly
Father, your Creator? God is the only one who truly has your
interests at heart, who loves you unreservedly even though you
don't deserve that kind of love.
What kind of spiritual 'food' are you eating? What kind of
lifestyle are you living?
I pray you have found this article interesting and I would be
pleased to read any comments you may have. However, my workload
is such that I may not be able to respond to all mail. Address
any comments to Graham Pockett at cockatoo@idx.com.au,
editor@anointedlinks.com or cfs@bigpond.net.au.
The original of this article can be found at:
http://www.AnointedLinks.com/cc_eat.html
[Copyright]
Please note that this article is copyright by Graham Pockett (c)
2002. It may not be reproduced without written permission (given
freely for Christian purposes).
For the best Christian Websites on the Internet visit
"Anointed Christian Links" at
http://www.AnointedLinks.com/.