Extra Weight

by Lori Merrill

As I watched the cardinals outside my window I was amazed at how lively they were in the freezing snow and wind.  I was also surprised at their size…they seem to have become a little more plump in the last couple of weeks.  (I can so relate to putting on a few more pounds in the winter.)  I wondered aloud to my husband if we were feeding them too much.

Then I thought about my own life.  I am trying to take in God’s Word by listening to sermons each week, going to Bible study class each week and studying His written Word—I see a pattern of intake.  Intake is good, but does the intake produce enough output?  In other words…is what is going into my heart and mind going back out to promote God’s kingdom?  Am I doing the things necessary so I don’t become spiritually plump?   Being spiritually plump is great if it doesn’t have negative effects.  However, being plump in this way (intake without giving it back out) can lead to arrogance, pride, judgment, selfishness, complacency and becoming stagnant.

I uttered a prayer, “How do I make sure Lord, that I am not spiritually plump in a negative way?”  I was prompted with Philippians 2:3—“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves…

(as if that wasn’t convicting enough)

…do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Ouch…that was a harder hit.  To live by this would take care of any negative affects, wouldn’t it?  I was sweetly (yet boldly) reminded that each day is to be lived for Him and not for myself.  As I try to diligently learn more about Him and how to live to please Him, I can use this verse to remind me to “pour out” so I can ward off the negative effects of extra weight.

Oh, the precious and awesome power of the Holy Spirit!

In His Love,

Lori