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One day a mother was scraping vegetables for a salad as her daughter came and asked permission to go to a R-rated movie. “But all the kids are going,” she said, “and their parents didn’t think it would hurt them.” As she talked, she saw her mother pick up a handful of scraps and throw them in the salad. Rather confused, she shouted, “Mom you’re throwing garbage into the salad.” Her mom replied “I know but I thought if you didn’t mind garbage in your heart and in your mind that you wouldn’t care about a little in your stomach.” At this point the message was clear to this young girl: “Don’t Get In The Trash Can.” The world we live in is full of trash that will corrupt the Christian Life and we have the power to get in the “Trash Can” or to stay out.
We are not slaves to sin but we act in accordance with righteousness (Romans 6:6). We are told to put to death things that are of sin and to flee from immorality (Colossians 3:5-10, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Galatians 5:16-24). We “train” or “exercise” ourselves for Godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). We must be prepared to submit to good works (Titus 3:1).
Here are some things that we can add to our lives to help us stay out of the trash can:
• Add the Christian Graces (2 Peter 2:5-8).
• Pray Regularly (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Read, Study, and Meditate (2 Timothy 2:15).
• Be Faithful (Hebrews 10:22-26).
• Do Good For Others (Acts 10:38).
• Visit the Sick and Bereaved (James 1:27).
• Support the Work (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
• Be Active (Titus 3:1).
• Bring Others to Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
Remember the Christian Life must be lived and is something that can be enjoyed!
Jonathan Burns
Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN