It’s not enough to turn away from cynicism in our lives. We also need to change our thought patterns and then our actions. We need good input so that good output will result.
In put
- Read –
- the Bible – The whole story of redemption. Yes, there is evil recorded in the Bible – for our warning; but there is also the life giving record of God’s love, His provision of salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Books – Read books that are worth my time. If the book seems pointless, shallow, or delights in the dark side, stop reading it. Throw it away, if it belongs to me.
- Magazines and Newspapers – Read more positive articles. For me, anyway, stay away from critical, sarcastic, mean spirited, deceptive, articles. I already know most of these arguments and points of view. Why repeat them in my mind?
- Blogs – The same as magazines reading.
- Watch –
- Less TV, especially less TV about “reality” and politics. The spin stops here – in my choices. with a positive message. If I must watch the news, watch Fox 17, local news, especially in the morning. More TV like the Cosby’s, Mash, and nature/history. Otherwise, turn it off, or change the channel.
- Movies like Lincoln, The Lord of the Rings, The Help, The Holiday, Narnia, It’s A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Fiddler on the Roof. Walk out of the theater if it is a bad movie. Don’t let a little money spent dictate what I fill my mind with.
- More theater productions, especially small theaters, college, and high school productions.
- Listen –
- To others. Hear them.
- To radio that is encouraging, uplifting.
- Turn off radio that is sarcastic, mean spirited, cynical.
- Walk away from gossip, if possible.
- To music that encourages, builds up, teaches. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
- To live music – in concerts and at church.
- Myself – singing along, with others or alone
Out put –
- Speaking –
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-31)
- Writing
- Write about Sowing Mercy, Love, Kindness, Faith, Grace, etc.
- Reblog – Examples of sowing #1
- Quote the encouraging thoughts of others
- Action
- Do – Knit, quilt, clean, exercise, garden, work.
- Give – The fruits of your doing
- Pray – for others. Prayer is not just speaking. It is doing.
All of this has been done before, written about, blogged about, and is currently being done. Well, here is one more voice, one more doing, one more change to add to that total. Hearing, seeing, doing combined is the most effective way to learn. By this time next year, I hope that I have learned some of these lessons.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
Sowing Mercy 