Spiritual Food

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“You are what you eat.” I am sure that you have heard this phrase before – it has been around for a long time
(see phrases.org). The components of the food that you eat literally becomes part of your body. Some things stay for a long time, while others contribute only for a short period. But overall I think it is fair to say that your body is what you eat.

With spiritual food it is the same. So it stands to reason that we want to know what the best spiritual food is. And as with all things, Jesus is our best role model.

John 4:34 (WEBBE): 34Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

How do we know the will of the Father and what His work is? James gave us this excellent advice in his letter.

James 1:22 (WEBBE): 22But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.

If we do what is in the Bible, then we are doing God’s will. Of course we need to hear the Word so that we can know it. But it should not stay there – we should put it into action!

This is further elaborated on in Hebrews 5 and 1 Corinthians 3. Hearing the basic principles is equated to a baby drinking milk. It is necessary for the baby at that time in his life. But then the baby grows up and needs to start eating solid food.

Hebrews 5:13-14 (WEBBE): 13For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. 14But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

The word “use” in verse 14 in the original Greek is ἕξις (hexis), which according to Thayer’s Greek Definitions means:

1) a habit whether of body or mind
2) a power acquired by custom, practice, use

So here we see again – mature Christians are people that DO the Word. In fact, they do the Word so much that it becomes a habit!

The time to start doing the Word is right now. You don’t need to know everything to be able to do something. So my challenge to you this week is to do just one verse. If you don’t know which verse to pick, have a look at Philippians 4:6.

Philippians 4:6 (WEBBE): 6In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Memorize your verse, and then actively DO it this week! You will be amazed by the results!