Too Much Sugar
Another pitfall that many of us struggle with when it comes to our spiritual nourishment is only taking in the sweet stuff. When it comes to actual food, I have a sweet tooth, and it shows. I certainly have some weight to lose because I too quickly gobble up some sugary delights, which I know are really not good for my body, but which just taste so good!
The Problem with Spiritual Sweets
I think we do this in our spiritual lives too. We gobble up anything that is sweet tasting to the soul, even if it isn't really that good for us. A healthy dose of something salty and perhaps some good meat or veg would be good to build us up, but aah those spiritual donuts and candyfloss are much more palatable!
I hope you know what I mean. If you are only looking for the feel-good spiritual teachings, you are not doing yourself any favours. Jesus' first message, when He came to Galilee preaching, was not a sweet message. It was "repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!" And when He walked around teaching and ministering, He was not just a big softy. In fact He was quite a harsh teacher at times, because sometimes human beings need to be spoken to bluntly.
If you think Jesus was just a sugary, candyfloss preacher, just go and read Luke's Gospel. You might be shocked! But see, we often need someone to say to us repent. We need someone to be honest enough with us to say you need to stop with that.
Embracing Spiritual Truth in All Forms
Don't only look for spiritual teachers and preachers who will feed your ego and make you feel good. I'm sorry to say that this is why I struggle with Joel Osteen and some of those types of preachers. I know they mean well. But I feel that sometimes, like Jesus, like Paul, like Peter, like John, like James, such preachers need to say it like it is even if it offends.
In fact the Bible calls itself a ‘double-edged sword’. Sometimes it cuts us as we read it. But what it does, is it cuts away the bad things, and shows us where we need to make changes to be more like Christ.
Think of your spiritual diet. Are you tuning out anything that requires sacrifice? Ignoring anything that requires repentance? Shrugging off anything that speaks of turning from sin?
Sugary treats may taste better, but if that's all you’re taking in, you're going to get very sick. Maybe you are already very ill, and you need to change your diet to include some of the less sweet, but more healthy choices every day.
