Many of us understand that what you eat determines how you grow. In the same way, what we feed our spirit determines how we grow spiritually. If we feed our flesh, we can stunt our spiritual growth. If we feed our spirit, we can flourish. Romans 8 explains it like this:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6 ESV)
It’s much like physical food. You have processed and highly fatty and sugary foods that only provide empty carbs. They taste great for a moment, but don’t provide the long-lasting nutrition your body needs for health and vitality. If consumed too much, it can do more harm than good. This is like the things of this world that John tells us not to love in 1 John 2:16: The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. All empty carbs. They satisfy for a moment but don’t provide the spiritual nutrition our souls really need to sustain the fruit God wants to produce in our lives.
On the other hand, there is nutritious, rich food that feeds our cells and provides the energy our bodies need to function in a healthy way. This is like the things of God: His Word, His presence, and His Spirit. They nourish our souls for sustained growth. So let’s feed our souls with God’s truth and love that we may grow in His direction.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the spiritual nourishment that You provide for my soul. Please help me not to waste time on the empty things of the world when I can experience true and lasting fulfillment in You alone. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen.
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