Feeding the Body and Soul

Humans are not just physical beings. They are also spiritual .  Just as our physical bodies need food, and so do our spirits.

Jesus said: “Man shall  not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. ”  Our spiritual food therefore is the Word of God-the Bible.

I love to eat! Who doesn’t? 

I eat three square meals a day with gusto. These main meals are supplemented in between by a rich variety of merienda (snacks).  I’m just grateful that I have a very active metabolism that’s keeping me from gaining weight. 

Being able to enjoy eating variety of food without restriction is a gift. While other people are very susceptible to food allergies, my gastronomic competence allows me to eat just about anything without any negative reactions. 

I’ve encountered people who have allergies to peanut, seafood, gluten, eggs, wheat, soy, cow’s milk and others.  Exposure to these allergens can be fatal. Remember the story of a girl who died instantly after being kissed by her boyfriend who just ate peanut butter and jelly sandwich? The girl had a severe allergy to peanuts.

I have a number of friends whose gouts are triggered by eating certain kinds of food.  Or, their blood pressure and blood sugar soar up the chart after ingesting a hearty meal. 

I got none of these reactions and effects.

And so, food has become 

my friend, 

my companion, 

my happiness and my comfort.

I pursue it.

I work hard for it.

I spend significant money to obtain it.

 I store it. 

I preserve it.

 I cook it. 

And best of all, I eat it with great pleasure. I am satisfied. 

My physical body is very well nourished, thriving and strong. 

But what is the state of my spiritual being?  Have I properly fed my spirit?

Have I equally pursued, obtained and preserved it’s nourishment? 

Can I say with certainty that my spirit is full and satisfied, and that it is thriving and strong?

Then, I searched my soul. It is hungry and craving for spiritual food.

“Lord, help me not to focus on my physical body alone. But, may I be reminded that my spirit equally needs care and nourishment. 

May I seek it’s well-being-to make it always healthy and strong. May I find great pleasure in feeding and satisfying it with your words which are sweeter than honey in the honeycomb, with the bread of life and with the living water.

“Read your Bible,  pray everyday and you’ll grow, grow, grow.”