Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Fertilizer and Spiritual Vitamins


"But grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18

I applied fertilizer to our grass this morning while there was a bit of moisture about. Spreading elements of plant food such as nitrogen, zinc, phosphorus, iron, potassium and sulfur will help the grass grow, stay healthy, keep weeds from spouting and provide a beautiful lawn that will bring us joy!

And typically, I began to reflect. . . . . . you know, applying this fertilizer is a lot like reading God's Word and applying it to our minds, souls and bodies. It like taking spiritual vitamins into our very beings. And of course, the moisture can be compared to the living water Christ provides. And the sun - to the light He shines into our spirits every day!

If we read the Scriptures on a regular basis - daily is best - we will continue to grow spiritually and establish a strong relationship with the God who made us and loves us so. We will stay healthy as Christians, taking in wisdom, guidance, love and joy. Sin will be less likely to take root in our mind and souls - just like a healthy lawn has less room for weeds to grow, our hearts will have less room for sin to take root.

Yet, that is not to say the desire to do wrong, make bad choices, or the temptation to be disobedient to our Lord will be no more. Just like a troublesome weed can be found sprouting in a grassy slab of earth, so sin can enter our lives.

As the gardener of our yard, if we watch for those weeds, we can easily pull them from the rich earth. God is like our gardener and He's given us a helper too.

The Holy Spirit within us - the great comforter and protector! He warns and alerts us when danger is near, reminds us of what we know to be the truth and brings verses of Scripture to mind. God may also send a Christan brother or sister to help us stand steady in any struggle we may face which would turn us from the Son and God's will for our lives. But we do have to do our part. Listen!

Just as the grass receives the rain and water from a sprinkler, we must allow our Lord to provide us with His living water. The assurance of eternal life through Him, victory over sin death, hope for a better tomorrow and the strength to carry on whatever we may face in life.

And remember that joy I mentioned that we receive from a beautiful green yard? A unique, divine joy is present inside us and radiates to others when we take in our spiritual vitamins - some say they can actually see Christ in us!

There are other ways to take in spiritual vitamins too. Here are a few to ponder: (1) Fellowship with other believers (2) Worship the Lord (3) Pray to the Lord (4) Serve Him wherever you are with the gifts He has given you (4) Care for others as Christ cares for you.

If you're like me, this takes some discipline and some effort. Some times I do great, other times not so good. I get abit sluggish and then I remember. . . . . did I take any spiritual vitamins today?

Have you taken any spiritual vitamins into your soul today or this week? If so, do you have an experience you'd like to share.