What's Your Spritual BMI?

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 1:2,3

This verse came to mind in a discussion with a friend of mine the other day. While my being around new born babies days are almost 18 years behind me, I do remember that NOTHING would satisfy a hungry baby but milk. No amount of walking, bouncing, or substitute would do - it had to be the real deal or they let you know.

Our conversation also made reflect on an article I had written for some gals I was discipling a LONG time ago. It was so long ago we called it "discipleship:" and not mentoring and even so long ago my page was typed is probably on a floppy disc somewhere. So I dug through my files and am reprinting it for what it is worth.

Spiritual Nutrition

The Bible talks about the Word of God as spiritual food. If we look at this example, and pull similarities from nutrition and physical health to relate it to reading/studying/feeding on the Word and spiritual health we can gain some new truths and insights. As you read these examples, evaluate where you are. Are you spiritually fit? Are you eating properly?

MALNOURISHED
Eats very little or nothing at all. What is consumed may or may not be what is needed for proper nutrition.
Results: Little or no appetite. What is consumed is not digest well at first. Lack of energy. Highly susceptible to disease. May effect judgment and mental functions.

OBESE
Intake of food unbalanced. Has little or no exercise. Tends to snack as opposed to eating balanced consistent meals.
Results: Overweight. Lack of energy and prone to apathy. Moderately susceptible to disease. Easily tired. Excessive weight puts strain on the body.

IN SHAPE
Eats regular and balanced meals. Exercises regularly
Results: Good energy level. Healthy appearance. If illness attacks, recovers quickly. Alert.

ANOREXIC
Sees self as overweight. Eats very little in comparison to activity or exercise. Feels motivation to do more to burn up calories rather than eat.
Results: Highly susceptible to disease. See malnourished. Could have severe results unless treated. May appear thin and "in shape" to others initially

BULIMIC
Does not eat in a balanced regular manner. Has a tendency to binge eat in large quantities. What is eaten is purged and no nutrition to the body results.
Results: See malnourished. Susceptible to disease. Could have severe results unless treated.

The above is more of clinical analysis of eating (from a lay persons perspective), but on closer observation it can be seen how we duplicate this in the spiritual realm. We can "snack" on things we like to hear in the Bible. Reading and rereading the same passages, or just not digging in to what God really wants to say. To "snack" takes little time, effort or thought.

Our spiritual exercise can be seen as serving God. Doing the work of the gospel .... ministry. Listening to God and his Word and "doing what it says" (James 1:22) However, without proper feeding on the Word of God we can be brought to disastrous results.

To be spiritually bulimic can be visualized in my mind as taking in the Word through our own personal times in the Word or hearing it spoken. Instead of letting it provide nourishment in our souls, we tend to purge it right back out again on others. (not a pretty visual). If we feel a real lack of nourishment, instead of gaining a healthy pattern we tend to binge out....grasping everywhere, and anywhere for the Word.

As in our physical bodies we can carry on quite well for awhile. Our lack of nutrition, or spiritual fitness, may not be evident to others. The disease in our spiritual life may come in many forms.....doubts, struggles, discouragements, attacks from Satan. How these effect us and how quickly we can respond comes from how fit we are. Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." It is a weapon for our defense. As our physical bodies need a balance or rest, nutrition and exercise, so does our spiritual body. I remember a speaker sharing to envision our lives as a cup. The Holy Spirit is to fill us up. When the struggles come along and bump us full of God people splash. Those who are filling themselves with something else complain.

So what shape are you in? What is your spiritual BMI? No quick fixes here - it takes time and discipline.....but it is worth it!