by David A. Cox
Synopsis: Physical health is dependent mainly on proper exercise and diet. David reminds us that a similar principle applies in the spiritual realm. Do you hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matt. 5:6; John 6:35)?
A Christian’s life is to be a life that is one of growth, development, and maturation. Peter wrote to Christians exhorting them to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). Far too often, this is not the case among Christians today. After obeying the gospel, many lose their fervor, zeal, and thirst for spiritual things. Lives are filled with secular pursuits to the point that there is no time to invest in spiritual growth. This is a serious problem. With so much emphasis placed on material things, how can Christians guard against being overcome with material pursuits and develop an insatiable appetite for spiritual things?
The lack of not having a right and proper understanding and balance between the physical and spiritual things is detrimental to a Christian’s growth. Many see life in the realm of the physical, but material things are here for our proper use and enjoyment. They are to be enjoyed but are not to be the focus of our lives here on earth.
John warns Christians not to love this world: “Do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17). The world is passing away, and the things of this physical life will one day be gone, but the spiritual things which are seen by faith are the things that will endure (2 Cor. 4:16-5:2). Therefore, let us understand the necessity of feeding upon spiritual things while we have time and opportunity.
In Romans 8:5, Paul writes, “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, the things of the Spirit.” Paul makes it clear that our devotion to the physical, worldly enticements will end in death. We must give our dedication to spiritual things and live a life focused on God and obeying Him. What can we do to maintain our focus and appetite for spiritual things?
Paul prayed, “We . . . do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9). Reading the Bible does not mean just reading to cover the book. Instead, it is filling yourself with God’s word. It is to have the knowledge and understanding of the context and the meaning of what is being read (Acts 17:11; 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17). Consistently reading and studying God’s word will help one desire it more and more.
Ask God for wisdom in applying the knowledge you have gleaned from His word. Pray for courage to stand for what is right in whatever opposition you might face. Talk with the Lord in prayer daily and cast your cares upon Him. James says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (Jas. 5:16). One thing that is accomplished through prayer is a recognition of God, who He is, and who we are. We need to see our dependence on God and talk to Him about the cares and concerns of our lives.
The lifting of one’s voice to praise and exalt the name of God helps to bring one closer to God. Yes, we sing in worship, but what about singing daily as we are sitting alone or driving down the road? James says, “Is anyone cheerful let him sing” (Jas. 5:16). Singing can reach deep into the heart of man. It will deepen our faith, intensify our love, and strengthen our hope. The thoughts of the songs and the truths taught will challenge us, encourage us, and provoke our minds to focus on the things that are above and keep our spiritual appetite keen.
Hebrews 10:25 teaches that Christians should not forsake assembling with the church. The Hebrew writer also stresses the spiritual value of our being together: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope . . . let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works . . . exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:23-25). Assembling with other Christians builds us up spiritually and increases our spiritual appetite. Spending time together, whether in or out of the assembly, is essential. Much is said in the Scriptures about hospitality. Why? Because it is valuable to us spiritually. Let us never think lightly of opportunities we have to assemble with our church family, or with other Christians. May we view these opportunities as essential for growth and spiritual strengthening of ourselves and others, using our time together to arouse, stir up, and stimulate each other to greater spiritual work.
Jesus came and lived a life as an example for us. In His life, He came to serve, not to be served (Matt. 20:28). To grow spiritually and become more Christ-like, we must be servants. As Peter described Jesus to those gathered at Cornelius’s house, he said, “who went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Dorcas was a faithful Christian, who died and was remembered for the good deeds (works of service) she did while she was living (Acts 9:36, 39). The life of Dorcas followed the example of Christ. The Hebrew writer reminds us to run the race of life, “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). When we “look to Jesus,” we see His service to others, His compassion for others, and His love for others. Serving others helps us to be more like Christ and will help keep our spiritual appetite strong. Reflect daily on things you can do to serve and glorify Christ through your life (Matt. 25:34-45).
May we never be satisfied with a malnourished spiritual life. Let us give all diligence to work and develop a thriving, passionate, spiritual appetite in our lives. Let us do the things that will draw us closer to God, closer to heaven, and show others the way.
David A. Cox
David has worked with the Market Street church of Christ in Athens, AL since 2008. He and his wife, Kerry, have two sons. The church’s website is marketstreet-church.com. He can be reached at davidacox85@gmail.com.
