Spiritually Malnourished

While many countries, around the world, struggle with the plight of hunger and malnourishment, we in the USA face obesity, and all its associated issues in epidemic proportions. Which situation is worse; not having enough or having too much to eat? Neither is good, and if left unchecked both will ultimately lead to death. In both cases there is a similarity, malnutrition. Even though we have food aplenty in America, people are not getting the correct kind of food to sustain a healthy life. A majority of what we consume is high calorie, fat filled junk food, devoid of  what our bodies need.

 Now think about the body of Christ, the church, along these same lines.  What quality of sustenance are believers receiving in the modern church?  There are lots of options to choose from, everything from social/sport activities, marriage/childrearing advice, community involvement to financial clinics.  None of these are bad, but should never be considered as a replacement for true biblical training.  First and foremost, we need to be equipping believers in God’s word, our spiritual “meat and potatoes“.  Without knowing His directives, we are merely living on Twinkies and French fries.  Sure, they will keep us alive, but at what cost? Weak, anemic faith that keeps us from doing what God needs us to do.?  Many churches members look healthy on the outside, but if you ran a spiritual cat scan, I’m afraid  you’d find clogs, and all sorts of unhealthy problems.

Not too long ago a blood test showed that I had high cholesterol.  I looked ok, but I had a decision to make, take a pill and keep my bad eating habits, or do some in-depth nutritional study and change my lifestyle.  I opted for the latter, and in the process dropped a number of unwanted pounds, and hopefully lowered that high number. Along the way I learned how wonderful it feels to eat correctly, as God intended.

Today is a good day to take a good look at your spiritual “diet”.  Are you consuming the real, life-giving food God offers, or is your daily menu filled with junk?  Sooner or later, the body of Christ will suffer irreparable harm if we don’t take control now by choosing wisely.  Fill yourself up with scripture, prayer, meditation and all that is on God’s bill of fare, you‘ll be happy you did.   “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22.