Disciplines for Life/An Appetite for God

From Gospel Translations

Illustrated every week (except for the deplorable, pandering, exploitative swimsuit issue). When I get the mail on Thursdays, I tend to lose all awareness of the world around me. Time stops. Only something significant like an earthquake or the smell of chocolate could get my attention. I’ve been known to stand there at the mailbox for long periods of time, oblivious to everything but sports.

One Thursday a few years ago I was walking back from the mailbox, eager to sit down and read the latest issue, when I was interrupted by a clear impression in my spirit. Brief, quiet—but unmistakable. “You want to read that magazine more than my Word,” whispered the voice.

My initial reaction was to disagree and dismiss this as an unwarranted guilt trip. But with a sense of grief I recognized that God had spoken. And, as always, he was right.

Slowly, subtly, I had transferred my enthusiasm from God’s Word to Sports Illustrated and the daily sports page. It wasn’t that I had stopped spending time in the Word and prayer. Those remained consistent. But though my “eating habits” appeared healthy, my spiritual appetite was gone.

Our spiritual appetite is a product of our regeneration. If we don’t cultivate that desire, however, it gradually subsides. The result? Individuals who are dull of hearing and no longer pursue God and his purpose with the same intensity. They may be as faithful as ever in serving and attending meetings, but they’re no longer hearing God’s voice. They maintain the principles, but no longer experience God’s presence.

Most of us are very aware of our physical appetites. So are advertisers. Even if I’ve just gotten up from the dinner table, a seafood commercial can instantly make me hungry all over again. And when I’m at the local mall, the smell wafting out of Mrs. Field’s Cookies is devastating. Thirst works the same way—a hard game of basketball or a jalapeno pepper creates a serious need. At least three times a day I’m in touch with my physical appetites, or they are in touch with me.

But our spiritual appetites are less demanding. My soul doesn’t rumble and growl the way my stomach does when empty. Also, I can find myself deceived into assuming I have some vast, endless reserve of spiritual strength which will sustain me indefinitely. With that mindset, I could be suffering from spiritual malnutrition and not even know it.

Symptoms of Disease

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