Articles
Die of spiritual malnutrition
Die of spiritual malnutrition
Brother Sewell recently wrote: "Several years ago, a Christian who was the president of a large state university stated his belief that students do not lose their faith because of evolution in the science department or humanism in the philosophy, psychology, or sociology departments. Rather, he felt that they become so absorbed with secular studies and secular activities that they do not take time for spiritual things. They neglect attendance at services, neglect Bible study and make their friends among worldly people. They die spiritually, not from poison but from spiritual malnutrition. Today, this is happening to children long before they get to college. And some of the finest, best intentioned and most sacrificial and loving parents are contributing to it."
This is not only true of college age people, but of their parents and grandparents. No one can survive without feeding the body. We can also die spiritually.
God has provided for us to be fed so no one HAS to die this way.
- "I am the bread of life" (6:35, 41, 48, 51, 58)
- 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. John 6:56
- 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:54
- 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” John 6:58
Eating His flesh and drinking His blood involves hearing, believing, and doing His word. This, like with physical eating, is NOT a onetime activity but an ongoing and life long process.
God has provided for us by revealing and preserving His word. God has provided for us by giving us the ability to learn, read, and understand. God has provided for us by giving us the ability and strength to keep and do His word. God has provided the church: a spiritual relationship between believers that allows us to be strengthened and encouraged by each other. God has provided for us by establishing for elders that would 'feed the flock' and teachers who will teach, reprove, and rebuke. Yet for all this, many are too busy to be bothered with such provisions.
Don't worry, you can never become obese on spiritual food. Eat all you want. Hugh DeLong
