SPIRITUAL MALNUTRITION

Malnutrition = lack proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or being unable to use the food that one does digest. Synonyms: undernourishment · malnourishment · poor diet · inadequate diet · unhealthy diet · lack of food · hunger · starvation

Using the above definition for malnutrition, I can conclude that spiritual malnutrition results from our eating habits, and when we are in this condition, we are unable to function at our maximum capacity. What is ironic is that many of us ask God to show Himself strong in our lives; however, we do not want to do what it takes to accomplish our request. Rather than feed our spiritual man that we might grow thereby, we feed our carnal nature. Many of us love junk food, foods that are high in sodium and calories, and foods that provide us with little nutritional value. We enjoy digesting and promoting worthless things, and we fail to realize we don’t have strength; for the right foods gives us energy, helps repair muscles, organs, and skin, and fights off diseases.

During a doctor’s visits, doctors usually question the patient about their eating habits. When necessary doctors recommend changes that will institute proper diets for they know improper diets cause health problems. As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual, our daily digestion of the Word is essential. Listen to the words of Solomon, “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:20-22).

As I previously stated above, malnourishment can occur from a lack of food or starvation. I watched this happen to several elderly persons to whom I was closely related. These individuals were dying, and one of the things that I noted is that they appeared to lose their appetite as their time of death approached. This experience led me to research what happens when a person is dying, and here are some of my findings. Researchers believe the cessation of eating and drinking is a normal part of the dying process that typically occurs when a dying person loses interest in food and fluids. This also results in them becoming weaker, and when this happens, the process of progressive weakness leading to death will occur days to weeks sooner than would happen if the person had continued eating and drinking. I pray you are getting the message I am attempting to relay in this blog. When you don’t eat, you are dying, and when you don’t eat properly, you will be unable to function effectively.

Finally, the Bible provides us with the remedies for spiritual malnutrition. Jesus told Satan in Matthew 4:4, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Believers cannot exist on just worldly food; they are to digest not some, but all of the Word of God. Also, as God admonished Joshua in Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Believers’ continuous interaction with the Word and obedience of the Word ends in prosperity and success. Lastly, Daniel 11:32b states, “…but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” In this scripture, Daniel is informed about end time events. Those believers that know God will be successful, but they have to do the work to know Him. They must be in communication with Him, and they must study his Word. I realize God values His work.; therefore, God does not give irresponsible people power. If you refuse to eat properly and refuse to do the work you can wish and desire to be used, but you will be overlooked.

Let me close with this. Satan has deceived believers into thinking they can do things their way; however, those that are partners in God’s kingdom must be a believer of the Word, a doer of the Word and are definitely not spiritually malnourished.