Today’s Reading : Matthew 4: 1-4
KEY VERSE:
“…man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” Dt 8:3
They say ‘you are what you eat’ and that can certainly be evident in our lives physically! If we eat junk food we can become overweight and unhealthy, whereas if we eat a balanced diet, this is shown in our appearance and general wellbeing. Jesus references Deuteronomy 8:3 when he is tempted in the wilderness. Jesus knew his sustenance came not just from physical food but from ‘every word that comes from the mouth of God’.
What are we feeding our minds and spirits with? In this world of the internet and social media we are constantly bombarded with worldly philosophies, people’s opinions and fake news - it’s like eating junk food. If we listen to these influences our minds become cluttered, we can become fearful and unable to recognise reality as it is. When Paul was talking to the Philippians he said:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Php 4:8-9
These verses describe a healthy diet for our minds. It is so important to immerse ourselves in Truth, in the promises that God has spoken, in the reading of Scripture. When we think about the things that we read, or watch we need to measure them against the standard set before us in Phil 4:8 asking the question “what am I feeding myself on?”
ACTION STEPS
• What are you feeding yourself on? How much time do you spend reading the Bible? How much time do you spend on social media or news sites?
• Ask God to reawaken a hunger for His word, for reading the Bible.