Wednesday, October 20, 2010

G.I.G.O.

My dad worked with computers his entire career.  As a young girl, I remember hearing him say, "G.I.G.O."  Finally I asked him what that meant.  He told me when a computer program is not working correctly, the first thing they look for is operator error.  Another words, if the operator failed to type the sequences correctly, it will fail to perform and "crash."  So the phrase means - Garbage In, Garbage out.

Doesn't this also ring true with our own lives?  If we spend more time watching the television, or listening to unwholesome songs on our i-pods, why do we seem surprised when our reaction to a crisis is not to turn directly to God? 

Feeding our spirit's with wholesome things is not just a nice idea, it's an exhortation to the church:

Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers, 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. 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."

This is not an easy thing to put into practice in our negative world, but it's worth the effort!

7 comments:

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

Powerful truth that applies to all areas of life - emotional, physical, spiritual, mental.
Thanks for the reminder!
Susan

Terry Laudett said...

Excellent thoughts! That verse can help get us through life with a proper perspective.

achildoftheking said...

I love the context of this message. However, the context of the scripture is encouragement to live right. It does not say it is a command from God. There's other places in God's word that have a similar context of living right and being fruitful. I am very careful at what I extract from God's word that is a "command". Encouragement is not the same as a command.

Do you agree?

Thanks for the reminder LORD to live right and be fruitful. In Jesus' name, amen.

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Thank you, Kimberly for your question on the difference between a command and an encouragement. I've looked at the book of Philippians and read it in complete context.

To encourage means to inspire to do something, and command means to direct with specific authority.

Paul was speaking with authority as the one overseeing this church. In my bible it is titled, "Exhortations" which is defined as an address conveying urgent advice or recommendations. So, it appears to be somewhere in the middle of the two. It isn't God commanding, so I will change my wording in my post, however, it is a strong recommendation given by Paul who does have Godly authority and wisdom.

It appears to be an if then statement, too. If you think on good things, then you will have the peace of God. Kind of like a doctor telling us to take this medicine to get better.

Fun stuff! I love digging deeper into God's word. You're a blessing Kimberly! Have a great day.

Beth Herring said...

Yes, Lord! May all we do be pure and right and holy in your sight.

Such a great message, Sonya. We need to be feeding our souls the GOOD things and the things that edify the body of Christ.

Cheryl Barker said...

I had not idea that the phrase Garbage In, Garbage Out was used as computer terminology -- but then I'm still learning about computers! :) Blessings!

Walk In Truth said...

Hi Sonya Lee,
Outstanding Post!!!
Over the last year the Holy Spirt has convicted me in regard to T.V. shows & music.
I thought since I avoided shows with romantic scenes, & swear words, that I was doing alright, but I began to notice how often God's name is used in vain on even the most wholesome shows. The Lord knew this was stagnating my growth, and I'm so thankful He brought it to my attention. I'm a work in progress.
I just posted yesterday, if you get a chance love to have you stop by.
God bless,
Michele Katherine