Time to Detox

"... What we eat becomes us, and if we are eating poor theology, pointless words, or simply subsisting on entertainment, we will be fat on a feast that will ruin us."
- Lore Ferguson, "Discerning Gluttons", via the Gospel Coalition 

Pop radio, novels, fashion magazines, and mindless TV are like junk food for our minds, hearts, and souls.  Empty calories, artificial colors, and false advertising:  the world offers us a feast that is devoid of any spiritual nutrients, filled with artificial realities, and replete with false promises of a better life.  This can't be what God wants for us, right?  He doesn't desire that our minds are consumed with the latest fashion trends, pop songs, or reality TV gossip.  Rather, our Father desires that our hearts are joyfully consumed with His beauty as we daily abide in His abundant love.

Now, before you get defensive and tell me how much you love your favorite magazine or television show and begin explaining how it's "really not that bad"... please know that I've been right where you are.  Before God started convicting my heart about the junk in my life, I didn't stop to think how the TV shows, magazines, novels, music, and other forms of entertainment were completely warping my Christ-centered view of the world.  While my mind should have been focused on Christ, I was thinking about the latest trends or the drama that unfolded on last night's Real Housewives episode.  I realized I was spending more time wrapped up in pointless entertainment than dwelling in the throne room with the Most High.  That picture of life isn't what God's calling me to, and that's certainly not what He wants for me.  My life isn't about selfish pursuits and the things of this world, but rather whole-heartedly running to Christ with everything I have.  That includes my whole heart and my whole mind... all the time.

Think of it this way, if I fill up my car's tank with muddy sludge rather than premium gasoline, I'll completely ruin the car and not be able to drive where I need to go.  That's what happens when we saturate ourselves with the things of the world rather than abiding with Christ.  We fill ourselves up with the meaningless sludge of entertainment that clogs up our hearts and minds, hindering our ability to hear God's voice above the chaos of this world.  We can't walk with Him if we're overrun with sludge.

Friends, I think it's time to detox.  It's not my intention to bash popular entertainment or tell you that it's sinful to watch the latest blockbuster.  That's definitely not my place or my intention.  However, I am saying that we're over-saturated with the things of this world and as a result our minds are clouded and our hearts are tainted.  Hear my heart in this:  we've lost perspective on the things that really matter; we've focused our gaze on this world rather than on eternity; and we've replaced the One True God with counterfeit gods that cannot fulfill or satisfy.  We're running on empty and in desperate need of His Spirit to fill us with joy, peace, hope, and overflowing love.

So, here's my challenge:  take a period of time (I'd suggest at least one week) to fast from worldly distractions by feasting on true spiritual nourishment rather than junk food.  By doing this, you will refocus your gaze on Christ and tune into the voice of the Spirit.  I'd suggest getting a journal and reflecting throughout the week so that you can capture the emotions and hone in on what exactly God is teaching you during this purposeful time.  I'd recommend inviting a friend to join you so that you can walk through this hand-in-hand, encouraging each other along the way.

As you go about the process of getting rid of the junk, I'd like to point you to one of my faith heroes, Leslie Ludy.  Her writing has been so influential in my life as she has taught me about godly womanhood and savoring the beauty of a life set-apart for Christ.  I encourage you to read these two articles that will help add in the good stuff you as you begin to make space in the chaos to commune with our Most High God:

1.  Creating a Sacred Environment:  Create a sacred environment that promotes a set-apart lifestyle as you abide with Christ

2.  Our Spiritual Act of Worship:  Focus on godly discipline as a spiritual act of worship rather than dutiful obedience

Here's the important part:  after your period of fasting, monitor your reaction to the entertainment you used to love by noticing how it affects your thought patterns, emotions, attitude, desires, and interactions with others.  How is that different from the time you spent purposefully abiding with Christ?  You should see a monumental difference!  Thank God for his goodness and faithfulness!

Friends, be encouraged - this challenge is totally possible!  God sent his Son to redeem us, stopping at nothing to bring us into right relationship with Himself.  The same power that raised Christ from the grave is available to us today, and our Father jealously longs for our hearts.  Run to him with abandon and let His Spirit work in you.  Don't take this challenge for religion's sake and attempt to clean up the junk entirely out of your own strength.  Run to God and let him heal your heart.  Let His Spirit whisper Truth to your heart as you soak up the Word and fill your mind with praise and worship for our Creator.  Cast your gaze on the Son and take in the wonder of the cross.

I'd love to hear about your experiences with this challenge! Feel free to comment below or send me an email.   It will be my joy to pray for you as you go on this journey.