Junk Food
I was visiting with a friend recently and she commented on the need to put “whatever is true” into our minds instead of all the make-believe stories we are so fond of. This summer I read at least 20 books as I enjoyed my time away from my demanding teaching job. I find great joy in well written Christian fiction, but I realized that I had neglected other types of input for my soul. So, that got me to wondering, what types of things should I be watching on TV, or reading online, listening to on the radio or perusing in magazines and books?
During this same time frame, I was also purging certain types of foods from my diet. In other words, I eliminated junk food. No more foods that started in a box or that slid through a window, ready to eat. I understood the need to eat only foods that provided the nutrients my body needed with no added ingredients that weren’t helpful to building up my health.
Now, admittedly, I’m not perfect in eating solely healthy foods, but I try to make that the rule and the fats and sugars a true exception for rare occasions. In the same way, I began to think about how I was feeding my soul with various types of input.
It slowly dawned on me that when I feed my body on junk food, I feel sluggish and lazy, and I know I’m not healthy. In the same way, when I feed my mind with junk, my mind is slow and lazy and spiritual growth is difficult.
Now, I’m not the kind of person to say that a french fry is “evil” because I think God created all food and it’s more about our personal decisions regarding quantity and frequency of consuming such foods. So, I’m not trying to say that certain types of media are evil either. It’s not so much about good input or bad input, but whether or not something is building me up or not.
My soul junk food of choice tends to be romantic stories, whether on a TV or in a book. But, I set those aside and started to read a missionary story that had sat on my nightstand for over a year (maybe a few years?) I knew the end of the story, so I wasn’t sure if would get pulled in to the drama and suspense of its retelling. But, I was quickly swept away to the jungles of South America with some very amazing young men whose hearts were completely sold out for Jesus.
After I finished reading “Through Gates of Splendor,” I hungered for more reading material in this genre. Thankfully, the New Tribes Mission booklet arrived in the mail soon thereafter and I devoured the stories of lives changed by the sacrifices of faithful followers.
As my reading choices have begun to change, I’ve noticed changes in my heart too. I’m sensitive to what God is doing in the world and I’m less drawn to the things of the world.
Do you want to join me in cutting out your junk food of choice and replacing it with true stories of valor and honor? You might just be surprised by how romantic a missionary story can be!
Widening my world view,
Heather Cox
So true on what we put in our minds has a huge impact on our lives. When I put in good things I find I’m more content in my own life.
I totally agree, Heather. Our outlook changes much when we cut out all the junk foods. I love reading too, but I am very choosy 🙂 …I will check out the book you had mentioned.