True or False?  “The things we consume (food, TV shows, music, etc.) affect us.”

We often hear these types of responses –
“False – I don’t listen to the lyrics.”
“True – I would like to be in better shape.”
“False – The violence doesn’t bother me.”

I see apathy in my own life toward the things of God.  I consume too much sugar, and I would rather play a game on my phone with my spare moments than do something constructive.

As a believer, many times I have to beg God for the desire to be in His Word and sit with Him in prayer – consuming nothing but Him in the silence, peace & rest.  Other times I am back to my apathy, and I blow off my idle consumption.

As believers, we are all called to the mission field right here where God has us – in our families, at our jobs, at our schools.  Does what we consume affect us?  If so, then does it affect this ministry to which we have each been called?

In the moments when I am seeking after Christ and being obedient, I consume guidance, joy, peace, strength, love.  This affects me.  And then surprisingly, just like the fishes and loaves, there is more to share with others.

As we enter this season, I recently heard referred to as “consumerism,” I pray you will consume the Bread of Life (John 6:35 – “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”) and the Living Water (John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”) so that you will be nourished and refreshed and ready to serve where you are called.  It is free & in abundant supply!

My prayer for our students is that in our classes, they will take a big bite of God-honoring music and movement along with a satisfying drink of encouragement and grace in order to extend their ministry where God has them.  Let us be consumed with Christ this Christmas!

1 Timothy 4:12  “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

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