Be Careful What You Swallow

A recent illness brought me a new opportunity reflect on what happens when we swallow something, whether it is physical food or spiritual fare. Simultaneous infections in my ear and throat put me out of action for a little while.

As I thought about the functions of the ear and mouth, I realised they have a spiritual equivalent. Before we truly swallow any belief, it comes to our ears first (unless it is something we read). But let’s say, for example, a lie comes to our ears. What then? We can either reject it, or start to ponder it in our minds.

And what happens after that? We may then choose to reject it.

Alternatively, we can swallow the lie and, as it settles down in our hearts, it becomes part of who we are. At that point, it becomes very difficult to remove.

Our physical systems are similar. When we take in food that doesn’t taste right, we tend to spit it out. That is a good protection mechanism for us. Because if we do end up swallowing something unwholesome, it can get into our system and cause all sorts of trouble. Once it’s in, it’s not so easy to get it out.

As I lay in bed, pondering these things, I realised that there’s only one person in the world who is responsible for what I swallow, and that is me. I must admit it’s a sobering thought.

I remember that, when our kids were little, they would spit out any food they didn’t want. As exasperated parents we consulted our parents, and my mother-in-law said something that stuck with me. She explained that food is about the only thing children can control, which explains the battle. Now, years later, it seems to me there is great wisdom in controlling what goes into one’s mouth!

We must learn to truly spit out anything evil that seeks to enter our system. We cannot always prevent it from entering our eyes and ears. Sometimes we even struggle to keep bad thoughts out of our minds. But we sure can take control of anything we swallow and allow into that deeper place, where it lodges in our heart. May God give us the same instinct He gave my obstinate children when the enemy tries to force feed us worthless junk!

I have started asking God to show me again what bad things I have swallowed to my own detriment. What lies, false beliefs, or wicked attitudes have I let into my heart?

I am so thankful for the grace of God to do what is humanly speaking impossible, to remove that which has become part of my system, and which has been firmly lodged within and won’t easily shift. The power of His Spirit is sufficient for the removal of even the deepest things within my heart.