Getty Up Part VII: Spiritual Laziness Causes Spiritual Malnutrition

Proverbs 19:15 says that an idle person will suffer hunger. If we are spiritually idle, we will suffer spiritual malnutrition. Deuteronomy 8:3 says that we can’t live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Every word! Proverbs 19:24 is similar to one we’ve already seen,

“The sluggard buries his hand in the dish

and will not even bring it back to his mouth.” 

I’m wondering just how hungry this person is.

Are we hungry? And if so, hungry for what? Left to myself I might think on things that aren’t helpful; crave harmful things instead of feeding on God’s promises. It feels easier. We live in a world that wants to push prayer out of the arena and mocks the very One who died so that we could be made whole. Then it wonders why there is a problem with drugs and alcohol, promiscuous living and self-harm. If I didn’t have Jesus, I’d be trying to fill myself with something else, too.

Here’s a wake up call: We will follow after what we’re hungry for. Lord, let it be You, so that we hear You, and apply Your Word. We will not only be filled, we won’t have room for harmful cravings. Let’s ask God to give us a hunger for Him and His Word. Then let’s get that proverbial hand to the mouth. We’ll find spiritual health and be able to share with others, so that they are filled, too. Jesus said in John 4:34,

“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”

I’ve asked Him to give me that same craving. Lord, make us hungry for doing Your will and accomplishing Your work.