search logo

KS Hawaiʻi Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard & KS Hawaiʻi Christian Educator Shonnie Calina liken the Word of God to that of a mākāhā in a loko iʻa. Just as mākāhā help to maintain the delicate balance of a loko iʻa’s ecosystem, we must look at the Word of God to aide in letting the positive and intentionally good thoughts to flourish while helping to filter negative thoughts out.

Weekly devotional: The lesson of the mākāhā

Sept. 16, 2022

Ka Ipu o Lono shares weekly devotionals to provide spiritual enrichment to members of the Kamehameha Schools ‘ohana. For more inspiration, visit the KS “Our faith” website.

Heluhelu Baibala
ʻO ka palapala hemolele a pau, ua hāʻawi ʻia mai ia e ka ʻUhane o ke Akua, he mea ia e pono ai, no ke aʻo ʻana, no ka pāpā ʻana, no ka hoʻopololei ʻana, no ka hoʻonaʻauao ʻana ma ka pono; I hemolele ai ke kanaka o ke Akua, i mākaukau leʻa ai hoʻi i nā hana maikaʻi a pau. – Timoteo II 3:16-17

The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. – II Timothy 3:16-17

He manaʻo o ke kahu
Nā loko iʻa, or fishponds, are an excellent example of the resourcefulness and ingenuity of our Kanaka ‘Ōiwi. A kuapa-type fishpond consists of a large rock wall made of small boulders and stones that would be built in an area abundant with fish. Nā Mākāhā or sluice gates would be strategically positioned in between certain parts of the kuapā or wall where fish would gather in areas of currents. Thus, the currents flow would allow the smaller fish to enter a loko iʻa through the gate passage, but bigger fish would not be able to pass through the fixed openings of the mākāhā.

Much like the many thoughts that stream throughout our minds we need ka mākāhā for our minds to let in positive and intentionally good thoughts to flourish and develop our character of goodness and compassion. Consequently, we all also need the same filter to prevent negative thoughts from taking a foothold in our minds and instead allow God’s truths to filter each undesirable thought or idea out.

Let us use God’s word to examine every area of our lives so that what we think reflects the loving heart and noble character of Ke Akua. When we choose to allow God’s truths to squash our selfish thoughts for those views or perspectives that best mirror the Lord’s appeal, we are demonstrating our trust in God, and our love for God. Furthermore, we are blessing others with pono behavior blessed with godly wisdom. So, let the current of aloha fill your mind with truth, and may God’s word be the filter that lets the good manaʻo dwell in your heart and be nurtured.

*Mahalo nui to KS Hawaiʻi Christian Educator Kumu Shonnie Calina for the idea of using God’s word as a mākāhā!



TAGS
daily devotional,christian values,our faith

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Themes, Culture, Community, Employee ‘Ohana, E Ola!, Hawaii Newsroom, KS Hawaii Home, Kapalama Newsroom, Kapalama Home, Maui Newsroom, KS Maui Home, Faith, Hawaii campus, Kapalama campus, Maui campus

Print with photos Print text only