Spiritual Health Checks
(Hungry for God's Word)
A healthy Christian will not find his strength or determine his weakness in the size of the church he attends. Healthy Christians gain strength to overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil by what is written in Acts 2:42, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
The Christian's first heart check is his devotion to God's Word. Albert Barnes wrote, "One of the evidences of conversion is a desire to be instructed in the doctrines and duties of [Christianity] and a willingness to attend the preaching and teaching of [God's Word]. A healthy Christian is hungry for Holy Spirit inspired teachings and he makes time to be exposed to it." The Christian who is devoted to the teaching of the Word of God goes to church and Bible studies, prayerfully reads his Bible, watches quality Christian programs, listens to Christian music, and takes every opportunity possible to fill his eyes, mind and heart with things of God. There is an eagerness of mind and openness of heart to seek and hear what God's will is for him. He walks into church with anticipation and expectancy that the Lord has something specifically for him. He is not like the church attendee who walks out of church unmoved, critical and unfed because he refuses to eat from the table prepared for him. A Christian who is devoted to the teaching of the Word of God is like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. He "...receives the message with readiness of mind,"(prothumia) meaning to listen attentively and respectfully. He is willing to hear the Word of God, can comprehend it, and has a heart hungry to know God's will for him. A Spiritually healthy Christian takes to heart what was written by wise Solomon, "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong." (Ecclesiastes 5:1)
Can those who see your life say? "There goes a man or woman that has high regard for the Word of God." If so then you are a healthy child of God on the right path to eternal life with Jesus Christ.