The Power Of A Good "Diet"

For the physical body to become healthy, it needs good food. Also, that food must be chewed well and digested, which takes time and effort. Likewise, for us to become spiritually sound, we need to "chew" on God's utterances so that these can be assimilated into our mind and heart. (Matthew 4:4) The Bible says: "Whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things. . . . and the God of peace will with you." -Philippians 4:8, 9.

Note that we must "continue considering God's thoughts if we want old personality traits to give way to new ones. Patience is needed for spiritual growth does not occur overnight. -Colossians 1:9, 10; 3:8-10.

Consider the example of a woman who was molested as a child; took up drugs, alcohol and tobacco; and is now serving a life sentence for number of crimes. While in prison, she began to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses and took to heart the truths she learned. The result? Gradually, her old self gave way to a Christlike new personality. Now she is no longer a slave to destructive thinking and vices. One of her favorite Bible texts is 2Corinthians 3:17, which states: "Now Jehovah is the Spirit, and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom." Yes, even though incarcerated, she enjoys a freedom that she had never know before.

Next time: God Is Merciful

Awake! 2008