Addition By Subtraction

In math it doesn't make a lot of sense but in life there really is such a thing as addition by subtraction. It is when you gain when you remove something from your life. The Bible is full of examples.

1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

Proverbs 13:20 “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

Ecclesiastes 9:18 “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

Ephesians 4:22 “that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,”

In our lives, we all have thing we don’t need any more that we keep around anyway. The junk drawer, the back of the garage, the storage shed. The stuff we collected and keep even thought it is useless. Maybe it’s a sentimental attachment, maybe we think we just might need it again, or maybe it gives us comfort. Most times however all it does it get in the way and keep us from getting things in order. The same can be true for people, habits, and traits in our lives. We keep them around even though they are not doing us any good and in reality are making our live harder. Could it be it's time to throw some things away?

Look around and take stock of your life. What is there that you would be better off without? The “friends” that only encourage you back into sin. The sinful habit you just keep doing even though it brings nothing but misery. The bad attitude, the grudge, the old complaint. Why are you holding on to them? What good are they doing?

Make your life better by getting rid of something. Add to your life but subtracting the junk.

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Ecclesiastes 12:10

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