Growing up I had a friend named Mike who would often have Pop-Tarts and Pepsi for breakfast. As a middle schooler, I wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but even I knew that that wasn't a balanced diet. Over the years I've tried to be a little more intentional, but I'm still not one of those people who is super strict about what I eat. I have the occasional junk food. I still eat mac and cheese from a box from time to time. And if you know me, you know I have a thing for sweets. But as I've gotten older, and hopefully a little wiser, I’ve tried to exercise moderation and at least eat a balanced diet.
I think the principle of a balanced diet goes beyond what we eat. I think there is wisdom in applying this concept to much of what we consume, including what we read, what we watch and what we listen to. I've noticed that throughout this Covid-19 crisis the majority of what we see, hear and read seems intended to create fear. Every night the national news leads with some sensationalized Covid related horror story. At least once a day I see a social media post with a story that further reinforces the fears that we are already struggling with.
Now to be clear, this is a serious situation. We should be wise and we should be taking appropriate precautions. And as much as I'm not crazy about our current stay-at-home status, I believe it is working to slow the advancement of this pandemic. I consider it an act of love to protect those most vulnerable in our society. My concern is that it would be very easy to become overwhelmed by fear if the only thing we are consuming is media. I'm not suggesting that we should not watch the news at all. But I am suggesting a balanced diet. I think for every half hour we spend watching the news, we should spend a half an hour in prayer. I think for every article we read about Covid, we should spend at least as much time reading the Word of God.
If all we eat is Pop-Tarts and Pepsi, it will not be long before our body is not well. If all we are consuming is the nightly news, it will not be long before our hearts are overwhelmed with fear. Should we be cautious? Yes! Should we be afraid? No! God is still in control and He will bring us through this. Over and over again in scripture God reminds us “Fear not for I am with you” If we keep a balanced diet that includes as much time building our faith as we spend with the things that bring fear, we will be much healthier people. So want to encourage us today to keep a balanced diet of what we consume. As the apostle Paul said in his letter to the Philippians “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.”
God Bless,
Pastor Steve
BTW, ladies I want to be sure you know that this Month’s GROW will be presented online both on Facebook and the church website Women’s Ministry page this coming Monday April 27 at 6:00 pm.