Unhealthy Disorder!

Bulimia is an eating disorder exhibited by bouts of overeating that are followed by under-eating or methods of getting rid of what was eaten through either the use of laxatives or self-induced vomiting. It is an eating disorder associated with depression and anxiety about gaining weight. The English word “bulimia” comes from the modern Latin through the Greek word “boulimia” which literally refers to the “hunger of an ox” (Gk. “bous” for “ox” and “limos” for “hunger”). [source: Encarta ® World English Dictionary © 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation]

The description of bulimia is not a pretty picture. It is a disorder for which one who struggles needs help because it is a condition that is harmful to the body and can ultimately result in death. Would that not also be God’s view of SPIRITUAL BULIMIA?

SPIRITUAL BULIMIA? What condition would that be? As in the case of the eating disorder, though there is a hunger being met when food is eaten, that food is then QUICKLY DISPELLED from the body and therefore no benefit is received. The same is true with SPIRITUAL BULIMIA. How often is God’s Word taken in -- as was done yesterday through Bible class discussion and the preaching of the Word -- ONLY TO BE THROWN OUT BY THE TIME ONE ARRIVES AT HOME? Though it is enjoyed in the first hearing and may even be praised, it is sadly discarded before having the opportunity to bring nourishing benefit to the life!

When Jesus told the parable of the sower [the parable ( Luke 8:5-8) and its explanation ( Luke 8:11-15)], He described four different heart conditions. There was the hard heart (the path) that never gave the message a chance. Jesus also noted the shallow life (that among the rocks) where the message could not take good root. Then there was the heart distracted by the concerns of life (thorny ground) where the message was choked out and not allowed to mature. Finally, Jesus described the “good soil” which He noted as follows:

“(15) As for that in the good soil, they are THOSE WHO, HEARING THE WORD, HOLD IT FAST IN AN HONEST AND GOOD HEART, AND BEAR FRUIT WITH PATIENCE.” ( Luke 8:15 ESV)

This is the description of one who RETAINS THE WORD the spiritual life needs to sustain it and be fruitful. The New King James Version notes such as those who “KEEP” THE WORD. May we guard against developing such a condition that GOD’S WORD is not being RETAINED.

As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth he exhorted. . .
“(1) Now I would remind you, brothers, of THE GOSPEL I PREACHED TO YOU, which you received, in which you stand, (2) and BY WHICH YOU ARE BEING SAVED, IF YOU HOLD FAST TO THE WORD I PREACHED TO YOU -- unless you believed in vain.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

Praise God for the opportunities that are ours to FEAST ON HIS WORD. May we be “hungry as an ox” when it is set before us, with a desire to RETAIN what we are taking in so that we may continually be spiritually enriched, thus being enabled to live fruitful lives to the glory of God.

Have a great day WELL FED AND THUS WELL LED!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Spiritual Health