The bottom line in my opinion the reason for this onslaught of over weight kids has been the fast food industry . When I was a kid we had a Tasty Freeze and a wonderful fish and chip place near our home ,but that was it. Plus I can only recall going there maybe once a week at the most . They also closed for winter. Now they are opened 24 hrs , they are everywhere . Add that into the mix of shift work , Mom working more outside of home , the cost of organized sports and you have a recipe for disaster.
So the same thing can be said of our minds . As Christians ,according to numerous polls , we have obese minds when it comes to understanding the faith. The White Horse Inn , an excellent radio program , anchored by Michael Horton and his motley crue of fellow reformed minded true Evangelicals, has shown over and over , very few Christians have much content . They may say they love Jesus , attend Church , listen to Christian music but when asked simple questions concerning historic Christian doctrine , they answered in very ambiguous ways.
Why? Because the diet of much that passes off as teaching today is the equivalent of eating Twinkies, Fast Food and Pop . All empty minded calories. From seeker sensitive messages , a lack of actual scripture reading in Church and a fear of that word , doctrine and you have a recipe for spiritual fat minds.
So what is the answer to all this . Just as with our bodies , we need to change the way we do things. If I want to feel healthy and lose the weight or have more energy , one needs to introduce good foods . Add a little exercise and you will get results. So with our walk we need to move on from the milk of the word to the meat. Read the Bible . Let the word become something that you hunger for . Then find good books on theology from trusted writers . Flex the mind . Find a Church home more concerned about preaching and teaching then programs. Join a small group that is interested in growing in the faith .
Last but not least , pray . Just like lifting weights , a solid prayer life is using a spiritual muscle. It is a personal conversation with your Lord. It is an intimate moment between you and your redeemer. As Paul said we are to pray without ceasing.(1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV). Which means living ones life with a conscience understanding of being in the presence of God everyday.
Is it hard work to grow? Yep. But the pay off will be huge .Besides we have a great personal trainer , the Holy Spirit . We cannot lose . So get flexing.
3 comments:
Right on, Reg. We get so complacent, as Christians. "I'm a Christian now. I'm covered, Ta Da."
True, it is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. But, you will know a person is a Christian by their fruits. We do not realize the grief we put ourselves through, because we try to do it on out own.
There are bigger things at stake here.
As it says in Ephesians 6:10-18, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..."
We wrestle against the devil. We cannot succeed on our own. I am most grateful to Our Lord for having sent the Comforter. Also, for His teachings in His Holy word. The last few years, I have learned so much. Chief of which is "I'm just scratching the surface."
Christ has given us so much. His very life itself, in our rightful place. If we truly love Him, the least we can do is learn about Him, in His word, and talk to Him in prayer. For he has done much and we have done nothing to deserve it. Love you, Mrs Reg
I just hope they have Twinkies in Heaven! :D
I agree ,Twinkies are awesome . At least in heaven they will not go to our waist lines .
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