The voices we feed

If I had the proverbial nickel for every time Mom said, “You’ve got the same britches to get glad in,” or, “You and your brother will sit in that corner until you decide to get along,” I would be a wealthy woman today. Then there was one of her favorites: “God gave you two good hands and a clear mind. If you’re bored, that’s your choice.” And with that she would hand me a bucket of peas to shell, laundry to fold, or some other task she believed would improve both my attitude and my character.
Mom did not allow much room for idle complaining or bad attitudes. Somewhere along the way she taught us that choices were not limited to the things we did. We also chose what kind of thoughts we allowed to settle into our hearts and minds.
I suppose the lessons of our youth eventually settle into our adult lives as we learn what kind of paths we will choose to follow. Over the years I have discovered that whatever voices we listen to become the voices that shape our hearts. When we focus on forgiveness, then forgiveness becomes easier to offer. But when we continually dwell on anger or unforgiveness, those things slowly shape the spirit of our lives, defining the way we respond to life and to others.
Scripture has long reminded us that the condition of the heart shapes the condition of life. Even the Apostle Paul openly admitted the struggle in his own life in Romans 7, describing the conflict between the good he desired and the thoughts that sometimes pulled him in another direction. Perhaps that is why we must be careful what voices we allow to settle within us, for over time those thoughts shape both our spirit and our actions.
In Genesis 4, Cain allowed anger and jealousy to grow until they eventually consumed his life. Yet Cain’s choices did not affect Cain alone. Rage grew from his anger. Abel lost his life, and Adam and Eve lost both of their sons that day—one to death and the other to separation. God had warned Cain that sin was crouching at the door, but Cain continued feeding the wrong voice.
Still, in the Book of Ruth, we see that Naomi chose a different path. After losing her husband and her sons, she once cried, ‘Call me Mara,’ which means bitterness. Her grief was real, and her pain was deep. But Naomi did not remain there. She returned to the place where her faith had first taken root. She returned home, surrounded herself with her people once again, and little by little hope began growing where bitterness had once lived. Ruth remained beside her, Boaz entered the story, and ultimately Naomi held her grandson Obed in her arms as joy slowly returned to her life.
Looking back now, I realize Mom was teaching us far more than how to stop complaining or stay busy. She was teaching us that the things we continually allow to settle into our hearts and minds will eventually shape the direction of our lives. Little by little those thoughts shape the spirit in our being and influence the paths we choose to follow. Thankfully, God continually calls us back toward faith, hope, forgiveness, and peace. And with the help of our Heavenly Father, we can choose to feed the voice of His Spirit.
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:5).

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.