Have you heard that old saying, “You are what you eat?” There’s some truth in that; since the things you consume are broken down by your body, and ultimately influence your body’s health. Good nutritious vitamin-rich foods will have a more positive impact; while high-fat and sugary foods tend to have a more negative effect on your body. In other words, “Negative input equals negative output;” and in contrast, “Positive input equals positive output.”
Today, let’s consider this parallel to the spiritual health of our soul, mind, and emotional happiness; which ultimately also affects our physical being. The answers for our balance and contentment are all found in the Word of God.
Each of us individually, and also as the body of Christ, together the Church, are in for God’s richest blessings simply by dwelling in Christ, and allowing His Spirit to guide us in obedience to our Abba. Each day of this life here on planet Earth can be lived in victory, if we are submissive to His wise plan and purpose. He has promised us abundance of life, and fullness of His joy, just for abiding in our life-source Jesus Christ.
John 15:1-16, “I Am the True Vine…Abide in Me, and I in you, as the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in Me…They that abide in Me, and I in them, the same bring forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing… Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit… These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full… I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known to you… I have chosen you, and ordained you (Webster – to appoint, establish in a ministerial office), that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
See also, John 10:10 and Eph. 3:14-21, “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory… Amen.”
Wow, do I love all those excellent adjectives adding extra emphasis on our Lord’s work in our lives for His Kingdom, here and now; and our destiny in the world to come. If we are with Him, there is no way we can fail to enjoy the fulfillment we’ll experience in the eternal day of reward. Presently we can know the satisfaction in fulfilling our purpose here in this life. We can as the Word says, “comprehend” some of what’s to come, as we yield to the powerful life-changing, character-shaping Word of God, and work of His Holy Spirit in our lives. As this previous scripture stated, “be filled with all the fullness of God.” Our souls will flourish, as we remain planted, embedded, immersed in Christ.
The opposite of a spirit-filled, healthy Christian life, is a life lived according to self-will, pride, and the lusts of the flesh for this world’s wares. We are taught in the scriptures to deny the flesh; to even mortify, or put to death the old sinful nature. Romans 8:13, “For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. Read also Col. 3:1-10. Romans 13:11-14, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us…put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts.”
There is no joy in being in rebellion to God and His will for our life. Living according to His purpose brings a deep lasting joy because it is there that He may bless us to the fullest. As the psalmist declared, “my cup runs over.” Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them”. God our Father has appointed, and established us in Christ; set apart to do His holy work here on Earth, even as it is in Heaven. And He has equipped us with everything we need to accomplish His good will. I Tim. 4:7-8 and II Tim.3:15-17, “… exercise yourself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come… you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable… That the man of God may be perfect (complete, mature), thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Life here is much about investment. Here’s some options: we can waste the time allotted us by binge watching some far from wholesome show, or one of many other vain time consuming behaviors the world offers; you know, negative things. Or, on the positive side, how much more will we be benefited if we invested time in praying for, and doing God’s will; while being in constant fellowship with Jesus?
Yes, what about binging on Jesus? How much more could our soul prosper by choosing to read, study, and meditate in God’s Holy Word? Phil. 4:8-9 compels us, “Finally brethren, whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things…and the God of peace shall be with you.” Peace of mind, joy, fulfillment.
Input equals output.
Source: https://www.mtairynews.com
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