I was flipping channels while doing my daily 30 minutes on my elliptical as usual. I normally watch E-television or VH1 when I work out, even though, deep inside, I know I shouldn’t. I rationalize my ungodly TV viewing by thinking, “I only watch TV while I work out and 30 minutes of ungodly television won’t hurt me.”
Joyce Meyers is also on the television when I work out, but I immediately skip over her channel. Another rationalization, “How can I work out while thinking about godly growth? I won’t be able to concentrate.” Therefore, I watch E-Television, so I can be updated on all the celebrity gossip.
Today, for some reason, I decided to give Joyce Meyers a chance. Amazingly enough, Joyce was discussing how our thoughts have a huge influence over our lives. She reported that many people assume that their thoughts have no bearing on their actions, and they are gravely mistaken. I know thoughts do influence our lives, but I had been rationalizing those 30 minutes of ungodly TV, wouldn’t affect my life.
Then I remember that just yesterday I was telling people how my 10 minute Bible study influences my entire day. So if 10 minutes influences my entire day then, by the same standard, 30 minutes will influence me for 3 days! Suddenly, I found my rickety “ungodly television viewing” rationalization smash to the ground, and I heard a voice from heaven yell, “AMEN!”
After my rationalization crumbled, an image popped in my mind of me on a motorcycle in a motorcycle riding class I took a few years ago. One of the major points the teacher drilled into our heads was this: You will drive your motorcycle towards whatever you are looking at even if you are trying to avoid it.
For example, if you are trying to avoid a ditch but you keep your eyes glued to it, you WILL drive into it. While riding a motorcycle, you have to keep your eyes glued to where you want to go and not on what you want to avoid! I am positive that if I apply this “motorcycle rule” to my Christian walk, I will avoid unnecessary life-ditches!
Memory Verse:
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
– Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Father, help me to keep my eyes focused on you; so that when life’s ditches come my way, I may be able to avoid them. Show me how I can stop those negative influences in my life that are pulling my focus away from You, including…”
Contributing Writer:
Christina L. Ketchum
Christina L Ketchum
Life Branch, Inc.
Leave a Reply