How to Keep Your Head on Straight in a World Gone CrazySample

Day 7: The Right Spiritual Diet

Yesterday we talked about the kind of spiritual foods that will damage your relationship with God and make you spiritually sick, and as we finish this week, I want to tell you about the only food that will really satisfy your spirit: the truth.

In 1 Timothy 4:6, we read, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (King James Version).

The phrase “nourished up” in Greek is derived from the word entrepho, which means to ingest or to put into the mouth to taste, digest, and incorporate into one’s system. It pictures the receiving of nourishment that strengthens the recipient, a diet required for one to be strong and healthy. Interestingly, the tense here is continuous, which means being “nourished up” is something we are to do continuously.

In light of this definition, it’s like the apostle Paul said, “If you’re going to be a believer who is really successful and brings Jesus pleasure in these Last Days, you’re going to have to make sure you’re eating the right things.”

The two basic food groups from which we are to be nourished according to Paul are “words of faith” and “good doctrine.”

Words of faith encourage us and teach us how to experience victory in our lives. They cover a broad spectrum of subjects and make us shout and jump for joy. They declare, “...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4, King James Version) and “...we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37, King James Version). When we speak these kinds of words, they empower us to receive supernatural healing in our bodies, breakthrough in our finances and relationships, and divine favor. They are encouraging, motivating, and energizing, and we need these soul-stirring messages as a part of our spiritual diet.

However, if the only thing we are ingesting are words of faith, our spirits will be malnourished. We also need the verse-by-verse teaching of good doctrine, which we have discussed extensively over this week. The Bible is timeless in its message, speaking relevant wisdom regarding every situation in life you will ever face, and a daily soaking in the Scriptures purifies and renews your mind to think the way God thinks.

So receive all the words of faith you can, along with a steady consumption of good doctrine. Friend, the Word of God has been provided to enlarge, increase, and amplify our lives. If we will operate according to the plan of Scripture and not question it, change it, or veer from it, it will edify us and leave us in a stronger and more mature condition.

As I finish, I just want you to remember this: just because the world is going crazy doesn’t mean you have to join in. You can keep your head on straight if you will hear and heed the words of the Holy Spirit. Nourish your spirit with words of faith and good doctrine. Refuse profane nonsense that is parading and masquerading as good teaching. Exercise yourself unto godliness — commit yourself 100 percent to the full spiritual development to which Christ has called you. Not only will you be spiritually fit, but you will also be thoroughly equipped to place a foundation of truth under the lives of others as we near the time of the Lord’s return!

For Your Consideration:

• Find some verses that you can use as words of faith as you go out into your week. Let these words uplift and encourage you as you practice trusting and worshiping God every day.
• Ask the Lord to show you practical ways to daily feed on truth so that you can grow in your relationship with Him.