Day 22

So... part 2 of Day 2o...

How has the cross changed you? If you have a relationship with Jesus, then the significance of the cross in your life must have made changes... so in the past year, how have you grown, matured, or developed spiritually?

I know, that's a tough question... let's try this: What has changed in your life, spiritually, since the beginning of the Media Fast? Hopefully, there has been a change in the time you spend with God, the things you try to focus your attention on, your school work, your family life... something has to of changed.

How do I know?

READ: Galatians 5:16-25

THINK: The music, movies, TV shows, & books that I put into my mind, eyes, ears, and heart... are they desires of my flesh or the Holy Spirit? (see vs. 19-23 for a list of both sides)

When Paul talks about "those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God", he uses words in Greek that basically mean "to make practice of as a pattern of life." Outward conduct indicates the inward spiritual status... Now this might be tough to hear or think about. But Paul basically says that our choices in life will change if the Holy Spirit is in us... that doesn't mean that we are perfect... it means that there will be repentence ("turning away from") of sin and selfish desires.

So what should I do with the music, movies, TV shows, & books that I usually put into my soul (mind, ears, eyes, heart)? Is it OK for me to go back to it or not? Why?

DISCUSS: It's time to sit down with someone, talk about this... it can be a close friend, a parent (the best person to discuss this with), a youth pastor (or wife of one), small group leader... whoever. Just make sure it's someone who can keep you accountable to follow through and pray for you.

LIVE: Do what needs to be done. Delete the music, get rid of the movies, stop watching the TV show, get rid of the internet, take drastic measures to rid yourself of those things that are keeping you from growing.

Imagine you have a strawberry plant. And you water it with sewage straight from your toilet right after you've used it (I know, gross analogy). Are you willing to still eat the fruit that comes from it (if it lives which it won't)? So why keep feeding yourself garbage and expecting significant spiritual growth? It's not going to happen... all you'll get is rotten, disgusting, stinky fruit... so stop feeding yourself sewage fruit... try feeding yourself some fruit of the Spirit (see vs. 22-23) and crucify those passions and desires, today!