Chapter 25

When a farmer goes out to plant, the ground does not care what he plants in it, but it will always return what he plants. For example, he may go out to the field with two types of seed (one in each hand). In one hand he has corn seeds; in the other hand he has seeds of a poisonous plant. When the farmer feeds the ground with these seeds, he will get a beautiful harvest of corn as well as a beautiful harvest of poison. Once again, the ground does not care what you plant in it.

Our mind is like the ground in the same way. It is a highly complex biological mass with mysteries beyond comprehension, yet in light of all this, it is there simply awaiting input so it can supply output. It has been rightly said, “garbage in, garbage out.” Or you may have heard the Law of Nature known as “sowing and reaping.” This is an important life principle we all need to be conscious of, especially addicts.

We alcoholics and addicts usually have a poignant, wretched history of inviting foulness into our minds with elation and ebullience while simultaneously ignoring or rejecting goodness and decency. Accordingly, we should recognize no great advance in ratiocination when examining life results in violation of this great life principle. Since we become what we think about, let us think on constructive, useful, positive thoughts. Let us guard what we allow into our minds and lives. Let us guard our eyes, which are the window to the soul.

The apostle Paul said it best in 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.” (NIV)