FEED YOUR SPIRIT
Dearly beloved, I bring you greetings in the name that is above every name, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God and our soon coming King. Thank God for His grace and mercy and for seeing us through another week. Despite the challenges that came with the week, you are still around, hallelujah. Jesus is Lord; He is Lord in our lives, He is Lord over Nigeria. Don’t use your mouth negatively, but profitably, no matter the circumstance because the last time I checked, God is still on the throne, He hasn’t vacated His throne and that’s why I can boldly declare that Jesus is Lord!
This morning I want to charge you to feed your spirit. You will agree with me that we live in a time where there is a high level of distraction everywhere you turn, the billboards, internet, television, radio, even the drivers on the road, everything is begging for our attention. Things have gotten so bad these days and research has shown, that people spend countless hours on their phones, without any care or bother in the world. The worst of it is that there’s no gain for the time spent, it’s all wasted. This therefore means that we must make conscious efforts, and ensure that we have our priorities in order.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 (KJV)
Beloved, what you feed will grow. Our text admonishes us to ensure that the Word of Christ dwells in us “richly”, which means that you must be full of the Word, such that when pressures come, it is the Word that you’ve stored in, that automatically comes out. Take note, the responsibility is not entirely on the Pastor to feed you; you also have a role to play. You cannot lay the burden of your spiritual growth on the Pastor’s desk, and expect him to bear it. However unfortunately, many believers have become lazy, too lazy to their own detriment. Take this to the bank, it’s either you are feeding your spirit, or you are feeding your flesh. Whichever one you feed, is the one that will rule and control your life.
One advantage of this age is that with the advancement of technology, we are spoilt for choice, especially with the availability and access to Bible-based resources. It was not always so. Nowadays, we have our bibles on our phones, listen to CDs as we drive or are in traffic, or listen to podcasts. Even on the internet, social media platforms, and YouTube especially, we can watch sound teachings and have access to qualitative resources, so there really is no excuse for anyone to remain stunted in his/her Christian faith. The clincher however, is that you must desire it for yourself; you must make up your mind to develop your spirit.
Child of God, it is my desire that you grow spiritually and attain the heights God has planned for you, but until you desire it and work towards it, nothing will happen. This was why Peter in 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV) wrote, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” A newborn baby eats several times throughout the day, so the bible uses this analogy to paint a picture of how we as believers should desire the Word. It is only the word that can help you grow, teach you to love your neighbors, to forgive, pray, to have faith and empowers you to live a Godly life.
As we climax the age, evil will continue to increase, but it’s only the word of God that will enable you stand in the midst of adversity. This is why we must not take any opportunity for spiritual growth for granted; services, programs, commitment in ministry/fellowship groups. All these are avenues to build up your spirit. God has placed us in a ministry such as this, so that we can be impacted, and in turn impact our world, so don’t take it for granted.
I pray for you that your heart will genuinely yearn and thirst for the water of God’s word. I decree that your eyes will be flooded with the light of His word, in Jesus’ name. This week, favour will attend your ways. I bless you!
Maranatha!
In His Royal Service
Dr Mike Okonkwo
The Presiding Bishop
