My Facebook friend and sister in Christ, Jackie Owens Bennett, recently shared a short post from the Soulseeds Facebook page with some seed thoughts for today’s Facebook Friday.

Here’s the post, followed by some appropriate Bible passages and a few comments.

 

The graphic echoes the words of the wise man in Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

What we allow into our lives influences our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Thoughtfully consider each point, the Bible passage, and its application to your life.

#1 What you eat

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Yes, even our eating and drinking should honor God. Proverbs 23:20–21 warns against gluttony and excess.

#2 What you watch

“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes” (Ps. 101:3).

What captures our eyes can influence our hearts. We need discernment about the entertainment and images we consume on social media, in movies, on television, and on the internet.

#3 What you listen to

“An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue” (Prov. 17:4).

We can feed our minds with gossip, lies, and malice—or listen to words that provide knowledge and wisdom.

#4 What you read

“Whatever things are true… noble… just… pure… lovely… of good report… meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:8).

This passage sets a spiritual standard for what we let fill our minds. Is what we’re reading truthful? Wholesome? Edifying? Does it strengthen our faith or undermine it?

#5 Who you spend time with

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Prov. 13:20).

Indeed, as Paul penned, “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33). Our companions influence our thinking, behavior, and ultimately our character. Choose good friends who will help you go to heaven.

A proper diet in these five areas can benefit you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

In the spirit of 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves,” consider your personal answers to these questions:

• What I eat: Do my eating habits reflect self-control and a desire to glorify God, or do I regularly allow my appetite to control me?
• What I watch: Does what I watch encourage pure thoughts and godly values, or am I becoming comfortable with things that dishonor God?
• What I listen to: Do I willingly listen to gossip, criticism, and corrupt speech, or seek words that strengthen my faith and encourage others?
• What I read: Is my reading nourishing my mind with truth and wisdom—and am I making time for God’s Word?
• Who I spend time with: Are my closest companions helping me grow closer to God, and am I helping them do the same?

What is one change you need to make in your personal diet today?

Paul’s exhortation is particularly timely as you reflect on these areas of your life:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman