Law of Diminishing Returns

                Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:21)

                One of the things about roller coasters, movies, drugs, moral filth, an evil is the law of diminished returns. First, it’s exciting. Then it isn’t enough, so we add more. Eventually, there just isn’t enough, but in some cases, at least, walking away is impossible.

                God is the means of getting rid of the moral filth and evil in our lives and one of His main tools is His Word. This isn’t necessarily an instant, miraculous, magical transformation. It’s simple psychology. Read this carefully. Do not think about an elephant. Chances are very good that you now have an elephant stuck in your head like one of those songs that shows up and won’t go away.  If you’re trying to rid yourself of moral filth, your will commanding you not to think about it, not to want it, etc., won’t help. But if you have something else to pay attention to, you don’t have to keep telling yourself not to think about it.

                And what should you replace it with? The Word says, with “the Word.” What else could it possibly say? The thing is, though, that replacing the bad with something else that’s bad is just moving the problem, not solving it. Replacing the bad with something that not only is good, but that directs us toward what is good is wise. It may not be the fun or exciting thing that the roller coaster, the movies, and the addictions are at first, but it’s freeing and doesn't involve the law of diminishing returns.