Spiritual Growth, Eph.4:11-16. Continuation
Another obstacle to Spiritual Growth is a lack of hunger for Spiritual Food.
To sustain our bodies so that they grow physically we need to give them suitable food. If a person has no desire for such sustenance we term them as anorexic. This kind of condition will most likely lead to some kind of illness. Similarly, a believer who has no desire for spiritual food will eventually become spiritually sick and will even die spiritually, if that person persists in that state.
How is it that believers have no appetite for the Word of God, which is our spiritual food? God makes it clear that it is imperative to feed on His Word if we are to grow Spiritually.
If we have no appetite for natural food then the problem lies with some biological malfunction in our bodies but if we have no appetite for God's Word then the problem lies somewhere in our spiritual nature. The problem lies entirely with us and with nobody else.
What sort of things will stop our biological appetite? Usually, junk food, intoxicating substances, sorrow, etc. In the same way, spiritually, spiritual junk food, intoxicating christian experiences, apathy, an oppressed spirit, etc.
There are many believers who will give little or no time at all to the study of God's Word but will give time to reading Christian novels, magazines, T.V. soap-operas, etc. All these may not be necessary evil in their content but cannot be substitutes for the Word of God. In Job 23:12, we read, 'I have esteemed your Word....'.
Many believers will satisfy themselves with 'getting high' on Christian entertainment and experiences and many others on a lot of Christian music that is often no different to the world's, merely adapted with Christian words. Many Christian meetings offer often worldly ideas and a style resembling worldly entertainment where singing is more important than the ministry of the Word and true worship. All these activities will give the impression of a spiritual atmosphere but will not provide spiritual growth and fruit.
There are many believers who have no thirst for the Word because their main desire is to better themselves in this life. There is also the kind of believer who is mentally oppressed by problems and anxieties so that his mind cannot receive spiritual thoughts. Apart from this problem he may be oppressed by some spirit so he is not free to receive truth.
What is the answer to all these problems?
A bit of tasty food will restore some appetite. Abstaining from junk food will also do the same but mixing the two will not bring the remedy. Do not mix the Word of God with spiritual hype. Stick to the pure Word in Prayer and Rightly Dividing the Word of God to stimulate your spiritual appetite.
Another obstacle to Spiritual Growth is a lack of hunger for Spiritual Food.
To sustain our bodies so that they grow physically we need to give them suitable food. If a person has no desire for such sustenance we term them as anorexic. This kind of condition will most likely lead to some kind of illness. Similarly, a believer who has no desire for spiritual food will eventually become spiritually sick and will even die spiritually, if that person persists in that state.
How is it that believers have no appetite for the Word of God, which is our spiritual food? God makes it clear that it is imperative to feed on His Word if we are to grow Spiritually.
If we have no appetite for natural food then the problem lies with some biological malfunction in our bodies but if we have no appetite for God's Word then the problem lies somewhere in our spiritual nature. The problem lies entirely with us and with nobody else.
What sort of things will stop our biological appetite? Usually, junk food, intoxicating substances, sorrow, etc. In the same way, spiritually, spiritual junk food, intoxicating christian experiences, apathy, an oppressed spirit, etc.
There are many believers who will give little or no time at all to the study of God's Word but will give time to reading Christian novels, magazines, T.V. soap-operas, etc. All these may not be necessary evil in their content but cannot be substitutes for the Word of God. In Job 23:12, we read, 'I have esteemed your Word....'.
Many believers will satisfy themselves with 'getting high' on Christian entertainment and experiences and many others on a lot of Christian music that is often no different to the world's, merely adapted with Christian words. Many Christian meetings offer often worldly ideas and a style resembling worldly entertainment where singing is more important than the ministry of the Word and true worship. All these activities will give the impression of a spiritual atmosphere but will not provide spiritual growth and fruit.
There are many believers who have no thirst for the Word because their main desire is to better themselves in this life. There is also the kind of believer who is mentally oppressed by problems and anxieties so that his mind cannot receive spiritual thoughts. Apart from this problem he may be oppressed by some spirit so he is not free to receive truth.
What is the answer to all these problems?
A bit of tasty food will restore some appetite. Abstaining from junk food will also do the same but mixing the two will not bring the remedy. Do not mix the Word of God with spiritual hype. Stick to the pure Word in Prayer and Rightly Dividing the Word of God to stimulate your spiritual appetite.
To be continued
