Scripture:

James 3:1-1
Philippians 4:8
Romans 8:6

Reflections:

"Eat Right to Stay Fit" A motto that was trendy back in 1960's. Adelle Davis wrote a best seller that highlighted the benefit of taking copious amounts of vitamins. As she believed the modern diet was lacking in a range of vital minerals and essential elements that could be supplemented by vitamins.

There was also a man by the name of Jack La Lane who set the standard for personal health and fitness. Well before this became a fixation by the general public. With the modern creation of Personal Trainers.

Oddly there has been a lack of focus and attention on training and developing the mind. In the same way as the body, the mind will become affected by what is put into it. This goes for both layman and academic, Christian and non Christian. The habit of focusing and what are called hobbies and subjects of distraction can over time start to affect the way the mind works.

The general consensus is that the average (if one can be relied on) for the attention span of adults in society is somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes. With a subtle and sudden shut down in interest. Where as people tend to mentally channel surf over the surface of subjects and topics. Only forcing themselves to stay on one given area if they feel forced to do so.

As Christians we are called to focus on those things that are wholly holy. To nurture our minds on the gospel and the calling of our hearts. As the Bible expresses this for believers...

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure,
and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent
and worthy of praise."

Philippians 4:8

We are encouraged to nurture our minds with good solid wholesome brain food. And not to fill it with time wasters. Worldly subjects that detract instead of enhance the Christian mind. To grow in the spirit and wisdom of the Word. Not to chase after distractions that can fill the mind with clutter.

There are so many in the Church who would deny being Sunday Christians. Saying they live their faith each and every day. Yet to track what they spend the most time pondering and thinking about would say otherwise.

How many can you think of who fanatically follow a sport or pursue a hobby or career with the zealous intensity that is all consuming. They talk, think and breath the topic with a gusto. If asked a question they could easily tell you a range of important facts. They quickly loose patience and tolerance if you have no interest in their chosen topic of focus.

And if pressed to refocus away from it onto something such as a biblical question or topic; their attention span quickly drops. They soon wonder off on a tangent. Or if really clever, will find a way of somehow changing the topic back to their chosen topic of value.

Nobody could be blamed for having interests or hobbies. A healthy balance of a variety of hobbies is considered good. It is when it becomes all consuming that it can become dangerous for people. Especially for Christians who are called to be in the World as a Witness. Not of the World.

As the quote states simply, "What goes in, determines,what comes out". Our witness is directly affected by what we feed our minds. A healthy witness requires a healthy mental diet. Much in the same way an athlete requires a balanced diet to achieve track goals.


Prayer:

My Lord, My saviour,
Jesus Christ.

For my witness and fellowship to be true,
I pray that my thoughts be on you alone.
That your Word be my daily focus.

Train my heart, my mind and my spirit,
To seek after those things that are...

true, and honourable,
and right, and pure,
and lovely, and admirable.
Things that are excellent
and worthy of praise.

So that my love for you may never wane.

I pray this in your precious name.

Amen