Often when I’m feeling discouraged or negative I will get an internal check to take a look at what my input and to who or what I am listening, looking at and spending time with. That’s because what we surround ourselves and “feed” upon is essentially what we will become.
To make positive steps forward in life it is often necessary to take an honest look at our relationships, past times, media and recreational viewing and our hobbies and habits and whether they are beneficial or not.
The bible teaches us about wisdom and says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20) That’s because our souls and spirits are like sponges and will soak up whatever is around them the most. The question therefore to regularly ask ourselves is, “What am I soaking up?”
The bible gives us a simple and easy guideline to follow in what to soak up. It ‘s found in Philippians 4:8, and says,
“Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think on these things.” (Philippians 4:9)
When we filter all that we are thinking about, watching, listening to and saying and doing through this guideline it soon becomes apparent if we need to make some changes, for we put in is what we”ll put out. As we input those things that are beneficial, and helpful to our growth, peace, faith and character we are promised that, “The peace of God will be with us.” (Philippians 4:9)
I encourage you to ask God how you are going with your thought life, habits, relationships and your subsequent actions and habits? Are you soaking into your life those things that help and strengthen your destiny and purpose, and build into your faith and encourage you to be better everyday?
It’s always our choice, and if we choose God’s way of living, He promises He will strengthen us everyday and help us to be the person we were always created to be.
“I call heaven and earth to speak against you today. I have put in front of you life and death, the good and the curse. So choose life.”(Deuteronomy 30:19)
“You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.” (Luke 6:45 The Message)
Prayer: Lord please help me to choose wisely the things I “soak up” into my life. May they be things that are true honourable, right, pure, lovely and praise worthy, so that my life will also reflect these things. In Jesus Name Amen.
Comments