Every now and then, the Internet is a source of useful information for me. Today I learned that “Flamingos are not born with their beautiful pink plumage. Their color comes from the carotenoid pigments they consume as part of their diet.”
Apparently, the algae that these well-known animals consume, which has a reddish-orange quality, that helps them become the beautiful birds that they are.
In your spiritual life, are you consuming things that will make you beautiful and winsome in your walk with the Lord? More often than not, we daily consume spiritual garbage and dwell on bad things.
It could be taking part in rancorous discussion over social media; delving into conspiracy theories; or even consuming things we know are plain evil, like pornography. A steady diet of unhelpful or outright sinful things will stunt our spiritual growth and corrode our souls.
On the opposite end, we would benefit from a daily diet of good things. To quote the Apostle Paul, we are told: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8).
One philosopher said, “We become what we behold.” A Christian rock band said, “garbage in, garbage out.” In spiritual terms, we are what we eat.
Today, take inventory of what you are consuming and what kind of person it is making you. If you need to say “no” to some things and replace them with good things—be it music, movies, conversations, relationships, habits—take that first step today.
In the end, God wants us to become His transformed followers who are beautiful works of His great mercy. To be people whose spiritual “feathers” radiate His glory and goodness now and into eternity.
