Junk vs. Real

What is junk? What is real? If something temporarily fills you up and gives you pleasure—but is harmful in the long run—is it still worthy? Why do most of us pursue things that add no real value to our life?

For example, junk food tastes good but has very little nutritional value. It usually originates from real food, but has been adulterated with harmful additives such as salt, sugar, fat, and preservatives. Although most of us recognize fast-food as junk, we often think that food at fancier restaurants is healthier. However, upon closer inspection these entrees usually have even more calories, fat, and sodium than your typical fast-food fare. In most instances we can tell the difference between junk food and real food. We are also aware of the health benefits of consuming one over the other. However, we lack the discipline to always make the right choice.

“After many weeks with unlimited access to junk food, the pleasure centers of rat brains became desensitized, requiring more food for pleasure. After the junk food was taken away and replaced with a healthy diet, the rats starved for two weeks instead of eating nutritious fare.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junk_food)

Like these rats, we become desensitized--our desire for more and more pleasure leads us to make harmful choices. We justify these choices, because others around us are doing the same thing. This is just how the world works—we say

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STOP! Don’t spend your life craving and pursuing junk. Make good choices that add real value. 

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil. 4:8 NLT)