How’s Your Spiritual Nutrition?
Amidst increasing concern about obesity and poor nutrition comes a new study that multivitamins can cut the risk of cancer by 8%. Over the last 50 years, due to increased use of processed food in American diets, vitamin supplements have become almost essential. The Dep. of Agriculture has spent millions of dollars on a campaign to get Americans to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day—with little effect.
As if speaking to the issue of spiritual nutrition, Jesus said people cannot exist on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). But I wonder that our bible study patterns don’t reveal that we treat God’s Word(s) more as a supplement than our daily meal (as if it could only reduce our sinful thoughts by 8%). But the bible is not a supplement; and its effectiveness is 100% (Heb 4:12; 2 Tim 3:17).
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, refers to the life-changing Word of God more than any other—200 times. “I have hidden [stored up, treasured] your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (v.11). Jeremiah (15:16) spoke of eating the Word. Others compared the Word to milk (1 Peter 2:2), to honey (Psalm 19:10; 119:103) and to meat (Hebrews 5:12, 14). Spiritual life is nourished and sustained, not supplemented, by The Word. Did you eat a healthy breakfast today?
Good afternoon Greg,
ReplyDeleteGood post. Thank you!
Eating and digesting baby food is easy. This would be comparable to the easy things in the newborn Christians lifestyle. But as the Christian matures, that eating and digesting requires more effort (meat rather than milk). This is why it says "study" as one of the means for approval by God. Study is work and is not easy. I confess that I want an easy (newborn) life. But God wants strong people. And strong people do not come out of easy lives. Strong people come out of struggle and work (yes, and suffering!).
Godspeed! Larry Q
Yes indeed. We recently saw the Kevin James' movie, Here comes the Boom, about a man who pushes himself beyond, way beyond, his comfort zone, and by doing so challenges everyone else out of theirs too! I also confess to wanting ease and comfort. I love my routine and hold fast to it when I shouldn't be!
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