Certain statements make what seems complex sound simple; they ‘cut to the chase’. In talking of weight loss, my friend summed up HIS experience simply, “Garbage In – Garbage Out”.
This old adage was first used by U.S. Army mathematician, William D. Mellin, in 1957. The acronym GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) described an accepted principle in early computer work.
It was understood that mechanical “brains” (computers) cannot think for themselves. Thus, sloppy data entry will always result in faulty output. Stated differently, the quality of an output is “strictly determined” by the quality of the input.
The GIGO principle is still valid regarding:
- Technology: even in the most advanced models of data science, statistics, or AI
- Health: Our bodies are fed with good ‘fuel’ or bad ‘fuel’. “You are what you eat.” sounds familiar. Preventative Health Care is legitimately called for.
- Farming: We reap what we sow. Solomon said, “A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.” Hence, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Jesus used familiar agricultural terms to teach us. He spoke of seed being sown on good (prepared) soil. Also, “No good tree bears bad fruit nor does a bad tree bear good fruit,” and, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.”
We pick what we plant, or get out what we put in. So, we need to be good ‘farmers’ – planting good things/true things in our minds and hearts.
Jesus said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”
The moral quality of our attitudes, mentality, and behaviour is “strictly determined” by the moral quality of our heart. That’s just the way it is. Life unfolds from the inside out.
We are accountable to a righteous, and holy God for our moral thoughts and deeds. The Bible says,
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
The one who sows to please his sinful nature will reap destruction; the one
who sows to please the Spirit [God], from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
The farmer who reaps a good crop gets out of bed. He is focused and intentional in planting good seed, and his labour is rewarded.
I want to be a good farmer. My life with God involves planting in me the good seed – the word of God (Luke 8:11).
It is not my good works that gain God’s favour or attain Heaven. The Father’s primary work is to help us “to believe in the One He has sent.” The Father plants truth so we will come to believe Jesus.
“Father, help me to be a good ‘farmer’. May the truth of Jesus in my mind and heart grow me. May the fruit of Christlikeness be seen in my attitudes and actions.”
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris