Malnutrition is a prevalent and serious global impediment to healthy human development. Much of the world’s population suffers from under-nutrition, diets lacking in adequate calories and proteins. Wealthier nations deal with malnutrition in a different form. Excess consumption of unhealthy fats and carbohydrates causes severe health problems. Any form of malnutrition is a tragic reality that aborts the potential of living a healthy and productive life.
Spiritual malnutrition is a needless plague with serious consequences. It is a tragedy when Christ-followers do not grow into the fullness of their holy identity in Christ. Man was created to know God, to glorify Him by displaying His holy character. Feeding upon the fleeting pleasures of this world, sinful desires and lie-based beliefs starves the life of Christ in us. The sin-conquering power of the indwelling Holy Spirit is rendered inoperative.
As children need proper nutrition to grow physically, so too, children of God must nourish the life of Christ in them to mature spiritually.
“As newborn babes, desire the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word, that you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
Jesus is the Word of God and faith grows through the daily intake of His words. The Holy Spirit teaches and guides us into the truth of Christ, empowering our obedience to it. Obedient faith results in victory over sin. His word purifies our thoughts and conduct. The resulting fruit from our lives is holy character. This is what it means to “grow in respect to salvation”, being daily delivered from sin.
Are you nourishing the life of Christ in you? If not, your faith will be weak. You will not stand against the lies of Satan or the sinful patterns and desires of your old nature. Come humbly and repentantly to Jesus. Cultivate His friendship. God’s Spirit will be released to work powerfully, growing you into a vigorous likeness of His glorious Son.
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the Bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry.”
John 6:35