Modern Diet

There is a saying---"you are what you eat." Most of us probably don't want to hear that. There is another saying that goes something like---"trash in, trash out"---like the computer.

In modern day America, much attention and interest is paid to the daily diet. Millions of Americans, each year, spend millions more (probably billions) on diet books, diet plans, diet videos, and dieticians to find that special key to healthy living. It is part and parcel of the modern American sub-culture established so to change one's image. However, there is another type of diet of which to be concerned. One that doesn't garner quite the same attention timewise or dollarwise.

Last weekend, Star Wars:Episode III, is reported to have broken the all time box office record for opening day attendance.(By the way, the movie is fiction). It was also reported, just last week, on a leading morning news show that the 'celeb weekly' magazine is this nation's fastest growing type of publication. I think we all know that there are those that can make literally millions of dollars a year for throwing a ball, tossing one through a hoop or knocking one in a hole. Let's not forget that the popular music industry has become one of the biggest purveyors of bad diet in our history and is a billion dollar industry while doing it. It is amazing to me just how many movies incorporate murder as their plot or subplot--I'm talking about human bloodshed--not to mention the violence and graphic sexuality. It is amazing to me how captivated people can become with the lives of the 'stars' and discuss the so-called reported facts about them like they're talking about their next door neighbor (don't tell me inquiring minds want to know). It is amazing to me how easily acceptable it is to many to think that a man is qualified to run for public office just because he made a name for himself by his ball handling one way or the other.
Now, please don't misinterpret me. I like a good movie--at the cinema or at home. I like a good ballgame at the stadium, on the course, or at home. I actually believe a couple of former players graduated from their 'sporting' days to become reputable statesmen. And yes, I am curious (to some degree anyway) as to how the Michael Jackson trial will turn out. However, I do believe there is a healthy balance to be maintained. Somewhere, in all this, you can easily cross the line to an unhealthy, unbalanced diet if you're not careful. As with all diets, the bad stuff is so easily attained and in such abundance---just like fast food on every corner.

You may or may not have noticed I didn't mention television---tv..........yet. Well, let me mention it then. The University of Michigan Health Systems reports the following:

* In a typical American home, the tv set is on for over 7 hours a day.

*The average child spends more time watching tv than in school.

*On average, kids spend about 20 or more hours each week watching tv, which
is more time than is spent in any other activity besides sleeping.

*An average person will have watched 7 -10 years of tv by age 70.

*People (including children) see 1000-2000 tv ads for alcohol each year.

*The average person (including children) will see about 10,000 rapes, assaults and
murders in one year on television.

*Fears caused by tv can cause sleep problems

Let's face it, prime time tv is rife with much subject matter that vaunts itself against the knowledge, order and authority of God---and a balanced diet.

In 1958, a young minister from the hill country of Pennsylvania who used to watch the late movie every night made the decision to sell his tv. The time he once spent watching the late show was now used in prayer and meditation with the Lord in his study. To make a long story short, one night he spots a Life magazine in his office and his attention is drawn to several young gangmembers on trial for a brutal murder. The Spirit of the Lord led him to New York City where these boys lived and exposed this young minister to the empty, violent, futile, drug-infested street life of many such young boys and girls. Out of his visits to this city and by specific direction of the Holy Spirit was birthed a new ministry to these street people---the helpless drug-addict. This ministry was named Teen Challenge and the young minister was David Wilkerson, now in his 70s and director of World Challenge. Teen Challenge went on to become the most successful drug rehabilitation program in our nation and is now worldwide.

Now, I am not suggesting selling your television(s). Why, that would be radical! However, if there are those out there that hear a different voice or feel a special wind blowing, try starting a new diet by turning your radio and tv off---but keep watching and listening. Somebody has something to say. Here's to your health.

Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared.--Proverbs 6.27-28

For more research reading on modern television, go to www.tvturnoff.org
Also, please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net