There’s a popular saying that states “You are what you eat.” While there’s considerable merit to that, I think it becomes even more applicable to our lives today when we change it to “You are what you consume.” What we put into our bodies nutritionally definitely matters, but what matters even more is what we put into our minds. The information that we consume on a regular basis will do far more to determine the trajectory of our lives than the food on our plates, and this notion was well known to Jesus and his followers. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, wrote “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
We are fortunate to live in a place where we can wake up in the morning and decide what we are going to think about. If you wanted to, you could start your day with your favorite news outlet, then get some opinion pieces, and before long you can be focused on everything that could potentially go wrong depending on the final outcome of this election. You could spend your time worrying about the pain and suffering that might possibly happen if a number of conditional events follow – no doubt all of which have been neatly laid out for you by some clever person in an article or podcast. On a beautiful day, surrounded by enormous blessings, you could convince yourself that life is almost not worth living.
Or, you can follow the advice of the Apostle Paul and consume those things that cause you to focus on that which is excellent or praiseworthy. This world is filled with beauty, and there is an abundance of love that can be found – if we are looking for it. What we are looking for, and what we consume, is up to us, and the choices that we make in those areas will largely determine how our day goes. In this uncertain time, it is as if we are walking through a food court filled with opportunities to consume whatever we want most. We get to decide if we will be buoyed by love, grace and beauty that is around us, or if we will be dragged down by the tragedy and pain that can also be seen. It is all there before us, but the ultimate choice is ours (and it isn’t dependent upon who wins an election).
Choose wisely, my friends.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron