Our fleshly bodies cannot grow, function, or survive without the consumption of food. There are two categories into which we can put our food. First, there are foods like apples, broccoli, or a piece of salmon; these are foods that keep us running at our full potential. Then, there are foods like french fries, fried chicken and chocolate cake, these foods might keep us alive (and tastes amazing) but they certainly hinder us from a fulfilling life.
Drive by Mcdonald's or Whataburger at meal times and you will see that our society has become dependent on these foods that keep us from our full potential. Likewise, visit a vast majority of churches on a Sunday morning and you will see that that not only has our society become dependent on food that holds them back they have become dependent on a false pretense of God that is holding them back from living for Him to their fullest potential.
The Word of God is filled with truths that are hard to digest (much like a piece of broccoli) but the outcome of reading these truths is a spiritual growth that is fulfilling and enriching. However, it is obvious that our leaders have given in to the flow of this world and are offering up only spiritual french fries with a fluffy piece of chocolate cake. Their sermons and other teachings have become so weighed down with feel good notions that they are leaving out the word of God to make it easier for the 'flock' to digest. The big problem with the things that are easier going down is that they are hindering us from gaining all the power and might that the Word of God has to offer.
Romans 12:2 speaks to me in a big way: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. " We are called to be set apart from this world, a world that loves to self-indulge, focuses on sensuality rather than reality, a world that gives into the flesh never realizing the damage being done to the spirit. We are to discern what is PERFECT, what is perfect other than that which is of God? Certainly, not the opinions and prosperity preachings of man.
The Word of God reaches past our fleshly desires and penetrates the deepest portions of our souls. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.-Hebrews 4:12 "Sharper than any two-edged sword" sounds pretty painful and sometimes it is, particularly when we are being convicted of something we don't want to give up.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying the Word of God is not filled with lovely things that can comfort us and bring us great joy but what I am saying is that His Word is real and true and sometimes the truth hurts.
Until next time, may Christ's love and blessings be upon you and yours.
