Are We Tasting or Consuming?
When we reflect on our relationship with God and His Word, it's crucial to ask ourselves whether we are truly consuming it or merely tasting it. The difference between these two approaches can significantly impact our spiritual growth and understanding. Many may find themselves tasting the goodness of God without fully engaging in the richness of His teachings. Hebrews 6:4-5 warns us about this, stating, "For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt." This passage highlights how tasting God's goodness without a deeper commitment can lead to spiritual stagnation.
In contrast, consuming God's Word requires a deep longing for spiritual nourishment. First Peter 2:2 encourages believers to "like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." This verse emphasizes that we should crave God's Word as a source of growth and strength. Just as infants need milk to thrive, we need the richness of Scripture to develop our faith and understanding of God's character.
Jesus Himself points to the necessity of consuming God's Word when He responds to Satan in Matthew 4:4, saying, "But He answered and said, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" This underscores that our spiritual sustenance comes from fully engaging with God's teachings rather than relying on superficial experiences. We are reminded that just as our physical bodies need nourishment, our spirits need the Word of God to thrive.
In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." Here, Jesus reveals Himself as the ultimate source of our spiritual sustenance. To consume Him means to believe in Him, to partake in the fullness of His teachings, and to incorporate His principles into our daily lives. This relationship involves more than mere acknowledgment; it requires active participation and commitment.
Moreover, James 1:22 challenges us to be more than passive recipients of the Word, stating, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This call to action emphasizes that true consumption of God's Word involves applying its truths to our lives. It is not enough to simply hear the Word; we must put it into practice and allow it to shape our decisions, actions, and attitudes.
In conclusion, the distinction between tasting and consuming God's Word is profound. Tasting may offer a fleeting experience of His goodness, but consuming leads to genuine growth and a deepening relationship with Him. As we examine our hearts, let us strive to be those who long for the pure spiritual milk, seek the bread of life, and actively live out the truth of God's Word in our daily lives. This is the essence of our faith—an invitation to move beyond the surface and fully engage with the richness of our relationship with God.
Email Dean: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com