Just as in our physical life we must breathe, eat, and exercise, so in the spiritual life we must observe these three essentials to success and happiness. The Christian life is a growth, and we must not expect too great results at first, but, if we follow these three
We Grow by Eating
Strong Christians Feed Their Spirit
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” –Matthew 4:4, NKJV.
1) First, we must eat. What is the food for spiritual life? “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63) “When Your words came, I ate them: they were my joy and my heart’s delight.” (Jeremiah 15:16) Daily reading and studying of the Bible are necessary to spiritual growth and life. If we do not eat this food for the soul, we shall not grow, but shall finally starve spiritually.
We Grow by Breathing
Strong Christians Build Their Faith
“David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” –1 Samuel 30:6, AMPC
2) Second, we must breathe spiritually. Prayer is the breath of the soul. l Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray continually.” And in Romans 2:12 we read, “Faithful in prayer.” “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. “Ask, and it will be given to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Prayer and its answer is a wonderful theme, and a more wonderful experience. It is the very breath of the soul. Without prayer, the spiritual life will perish sooner than from the lack of any other essential. (See Matthew 7:7 and Mark 11:24)
We Grow by Exercising
3) Third, we must exercise or engage in Christian work. We are to labor in God’s vineyard. (Matthew 21:28) In what part of it? Mark 16:15 tells us: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Jesus came into the world— “…not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
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