The Word of God provides the central means of nourishment for every believer in regards to their spiritual growth and development in Christ.

Just as the physical body cannot operate at its fullest without nutrients, the spiritual aspect of one's life needs to feed off the nutrients found in God's Word. Job, in his longing to have God in his life, declared:

"My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." (Job 23:11-12 NASB)

Nutritious Diet

In this passage, Job testifies that his need for the Word of God in his life was just as important as the food required to sustain his body. Just as Job was convinced about the necessity of God's Word in his life, the question that confronts us is, "How do we, as believers today, cultivate this same mindset and attitude?"

This passage lifts up three key aspects that we learn from the life of Job that can help us to develop a healthy appetite for the Word of God and enable us to grow spiritually strong.

First of all, Job declares in this passage his foot held fast to God's path. Job was determined to walk in the path that God had set before him. He was sure that God's path provided the guidance necessary in reaching and fulfilling his life's purpose.

Job would agree with the psalmist who declared in Psalms 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." The light of God's Word shines on our spiritual feet to ensure that we allow the Lord to order our steps.

A Path Already Traveled

Every believer must be determined, like Job, to walk in God's path. Every believer must be convinced in his or her heart that traveling the path that God has set before them is the trail that leads to abundant living.

What should also be of encouragement to every believer is the fact Jesus Christ has already traveled that path.

Every believer is to walk in the path He has trod. While the path is not always easy, Christ has called us and has left us a pattern to "…follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21). The refrain of an old familiar hymn, "It Pays To Serve Jesus," supports this truth as it affirms, "Though the pathway to glory may sometimes be drear, you'll be happy each step of the way."

Being Obedient

Second, Job asserts, he has kept God's way. Job made a decision to keep the statutes and ordinances of God. In other words, Job was obedient to what God revealed to him as he walked in the path of righteousness.

Being obedient by keeping God's way leads to a life of blessing. Choosing to walk in His way with a disobedient spirit leads to a life of turmoil and frustration.

The Bible repeatedly speaks of humankind as rebellious and obstinate by nature. In Isaiah 65:2, the prophet declares, speaking of Israel, "I have spread out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts." (NASB)

In Titus 1:16, a word of condemnation comes upon those who profess to know God, but deny Him by their spirit of disobedience and their worthless deeds. These passages should provide a sober reminder of the serious consequences of disobedience.

How many times are we confronted with a decision to do what's right, but choose the errant path? Choosing this path amounts to disobedience, and the Bible declares it as sin. (James 4:17).

However, believers are commanded to keep God's ways. In Psalm 119:9,11, the writer declares, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy Word. Thy word have I treasured in my heart that I may not sin against thee." (NASB) We are able to keep in God's way as they keep themselves in His Word!

Focused Discipline

Third, Job contends he has not turned aside from God's Word. What Job implies by this statement is that he has disciplined his life to remain focused on God's Word. He refuses to allow other things going on around and about him to distract him, and to deter him from fulfilling God's will for his life.

In order to understand God's will for our lives we must be in tune to His Word. There are many examples in Scripture where those who had received the Word turned aside.

When Jesus taught that to follow Him meant one must "eat His flesh" and "drink His blood," many had difficulty because they understood his words carnally, not spiritually. The Bible declares that as a result of Jesus' statement, many disciples withdrew and did not walk with Him anymore (John 6:66).

In 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul cites that Demas, one of his early followers, deserted him, because he had fallen in love with the things of this world.

Losing Focus

These examples of "turning aside" in Scripture can all be traced back to a form or lack of discipline. The disciples lacked a disciplined mind with which to understand the words of Christ. Demas had an undisciplined spirit and failed to exercise the ability to respond positively.

In both cases there was an inward resolve to stray from the path once trod. Discipline is having an understanding of what needs to be done and the ability to do it when it needs to be done. When followers understand the importance of the Word of God in their lives, they will not "turn aside", but will discipline themselves to "set aside" time with God to be in tune with His will.

Therefore, in order to avoid the symptoms of spiritual malnutrition, Job advocates we must be determined to walk in God's path. We must make the decision to obey Christ and we must be disciplined by remaining steadfast in our walk, regardless of the changing circumstances of life.

The determination, the decision and the discipline Job exercised helped him obey God's commands and to regard His Word with high esteem.

A Full Menu

God has a wonderful spiritual menu designed for our lives. His menu is filled with many entrees that are always new and fresh. What is also unique about God's menu is that He always adapts it in order that we might receive the spiritual food we need. God is a perfect dietician and He has prepared a special meal for every believer.

Let's feed on the nutrients of God's Word and live a healthy and fulfilling life in Christ.

Spiritually speaking, we truly are what we eat!

*This article first appeared in Dreamer, a publication of Canaan Christian Church, Louisville, Ky.

Eugene is currently enrolled in the doctoral studies program at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville, Kentucky in the School of Christian Education and Leadership. He is president of EMC Consulting, which serves and assists churches in developmental areas of Christian education, leadership and administration.