This morning at church I heard someone say “You are what you eat!” Immediately I thought, “Just great! Is the word “Hershey” visible on my forehead?” If I truly am what I eat then I must bear a striking resemblance to a chocolate bar.
Since the early 1900’s variations of the well-known phrase “You are what you eat” have been used to emphasis the correlation between eating nutritious food and having a healthy body. (Click here for the history of this phrase.) But long before this concept was recognized in relation to our physical health, God made this same connection between God and His Word and our spiritual health.
- When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16, NIV
- Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. Ezekiel 3:3, NIV
- Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8, NIV
- How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Psalm 119:103-104, NIV
What does it mean to “taste” or “eat” God’s Word? Certainly it implies more than a cursory reading of the Bible. To eat or ingest God’s Word means that we accept His truth and assimilate it into our lives. We allow it to affect us, to shape us, to become part of who we are. When we truly take in God’s Word it will nourish us spiritually. God will use His Word in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son.
Do you take in God’s Word on a regular basis? If not, why not? To get started I would encourage you to get a Bible reading plan. I have several available here on my site for free. If you have never been consistent in reading the Bible, start with a manageable plan. For instance, don’t begin by reading the Bible all the way through. You might get overwhelmed and give up.
Here are a few plans that would be a great place to start:
Key Bible Characters: Spend 5 days a week discovering how God wove individual lives into His overall plan! (PDF)
31 Days With Jesus: This Bible reading plan focuses on Jesus. Spend thirty-one days reading passages from the life of Christ. In one month you’ll know Jesus even more. (PDF)
Our Salvation: This quarterly plan walks through passages that teach about the nature of our great salvation. (PDF)
I’d love to hear about how you take in God’s Word – your Bible reading and study. Leave a comment and let us know!
Thanks for the tips on how to taste and see! I like following reading plans like mentioned above, too. Anything that will help us in our quest to draw closer to God is good! I’ve noticed that the more I delve into the word, the deeper I want to go! I usually read in the morning before I get ready for the day. That timing helps me to be better prepared for whatever comes my way during the day. I also write in a prayer journal at that time. I’ve noticed that when I read the prayer from the day before (or even further back)I am better able to see God’s hand in my life.
Praising Him, Joan
You’ve got great insights about understanding salvation plan, keep up the good work!