The Bible describes God’s word as having different nutritional levels and values. In the Bible, you will see the word described as being like water, milk, meat, strong meat, honey, and wine.
Paul advised us, like newborn babies, to crave the milk of the word of God.
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2
Then the book of Hebrew went further to say that milk is not enough… We must progress in our knowledge of God. We must get into the meaty part of the Word of God! Okay, let’s get into the meaty part then!
“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who, by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. “
Heb 5:13-14
What?! having our senses exercised to know what is good and what is evil!
What are our senses? Seeing, hearing, smelling, and filling: How do we practise to get them tuned to know what is good or bad?
How we process what we receive through our senses is what matters most. Our thought process determined how we processed what we saw, smelled, heard, or felt. The process requires the transformation of our thinking process. Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The renewal process is accomplished by applying the Word of God.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.“ Heb 4:12.
Knowing the source of our thoughts is crucial to our spiritual health and growth. How do we learn the discernment skills necessary to understand if our thoughts are sourced in our own mind, the devil, or God? Yes, there are discernment skills (not gifts) that come from studying and applying the word of God in our lives. A good starting point is to begin by learning and studying what is of God and what is not of God. Read the Word to discover the characteristics of God and acquire adequate knowledge of the practises of the Holy Spirit.
For instance, by applying your mind to the word, you will know in your heart that when thoughts are from God, they are gentle and peaceful. Even when God chastises, he does so in a way that does not condemn but seeks to restore.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. ” Phil 4:8
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk