Rooted Daily: You Are What You Eat, So Eat Right

Scripture Reading

1 Peter 2:2; Matthew 4:4; Jude 20–21

There is a familiar saying: "You are what you eat." In the natural world, the quality of the food we consume determines our strength, our health and our growth. The very same principle applies spiritually.

A believer who wants to grow must feed on the Word of God.

"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."— 1 Peter 2:2, NKJV

Just as a baby cannot grow without food, a Christian cannot become spiritually strong while neglecting Scripture. Church attendance, sermons and devotionals are all helpful, but they were never meant to replace personal time studying the Bible.

Jesus Himself said:

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."— Matthew 4:4, NKJV

Physical food strengthens the body, but the Word of God strengthens the spirit. And we feed on the Word by reading it, studying it, meditating on it, believing it and obeying it. The prophet Jeremiah described this beautifully:

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart."— Jeremiah 15:16, NKJV

Whatever you continually consume will eventually shape you. If you constantly feed on fear, gossip, negative news and ungodly entertainment, those things will slowly influence your thoughts and your actions. But when you feed on Scripture, your mind is renewed, your faith grows and your life begins to reflect Christ.

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."— Romans 10:17, NKJV

Spiritual Growth Requires Exercise

Good food is important, but physical health also requires exercise. In the same way, spiritual growth requires spiritual exercise.

"Exercise yourself toward godliness."— 1 Timothy 4:7, NKJV

Prayer is spiritual exercise. It trains us to depend on God, to recognise His voice and to remain conscious of His presence throughout the day.

Jesus made prayer a regular part of His life:

"So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed."— Luke 5:16, NKJV

Prayer should never be reserved only for emergencies. It is daily fellowship with our Heavenly Father. Fasting is another important spiritual exercise. It helps us discipline our appetites and give focused, undistracted attention to God; and it builds you up in the spirit. When you live a fasted life, you become spiritually stronger and you thrive and achieve more. READ Powerful Benefits of Prayer and Fasting

"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance."— Matthew 6:16, NKJV

Notice that Jesus said "when you fast," not "if you fast" — showing that fasting is meant to be part of the believer's spiritual life. However, fasting must always be accompanied by prayer, worship, Scripture and sincere devotion to God.

Build Yourself Up by Praying in the Spirit

The Bible also teaches that we can strengthen ourselves spiritually by praying in the Holy Spirit which is praying in tongues. When you become born again ie you surrender your life to Jesus; Jesus Himself baptizes you in the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues. If you are born again but have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, ask Jesus right there in your room to baptise you with the Holy Spirit, or go to your local church and ask the Pastor to pray for your to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit."— Jude 20, NKJV

To build yourself up means to strengthen and develop your inner man.

Paul said the same thing:

"He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself."— 1 Corinthians 14:4, NKJV

Praying in the Spirit keeps us spiritually alert, sensitive and strong. So make time both to pray with your understanding and to pray in the Spirit.

You Are What You Eat, So Examine Your Spiritual Diet

Ask yourself honestly today: What have I been feeding my spirit? Are you spending more time listening to the world than listening to God? Are fear, entertainment and social media receiving more of your attention than Scripture and prayer?

The Bible gives us the standard:

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure… meditate on these things."— Philippians 4:8, NKJV

You cannot constantly feed your mind while starving your spirit and still expect to remain spiritually strong.

So feed on the Word every day. Pray consistently. Fast often, and while on a fast, pray, study God's Word, worship and spend time in God's presence. Build yourself up by praying in the Spirit. Spend time in God's presence and obey what He teaches you.

You are what you eat — so feed your spirit with what produces faith, wisdom, purity and spiritual strength.

Memory Verse

"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."— 1 Peter 2:2, NKJV

Prayer Points

1. Father, thank You for giving me Your Word as food for my spirit.

2. Lord, create in me a deep and consistent hunger for Scripture.

3. Holy Spirit, open my understanding whenever I read and study the Bible.

4. Help me to move beyond spiritual immaturity and grow into a strong, mature and fruitful believer.

5. Father, deliver me from distractions that prevent me from spending time in Your Word and in prayer.

6. Lord, strengthen my prayer life and teach me to remain in constant fellowship with You.

About the Author

Edikan Uko is the Editor of Love, Faith and Miracles, a faith-based media platform, and ministry devoted to sharing the truth of God's Word, and discipling the nations. Through Scripture-centred articles and resources, she helps readers get to know Jesus, grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, stand firm on the promises of God and experience His love, faith and miracles in everyday life.

Beyond the ministry, Edikan is a successful entrepreneur in technology and e-commerce. She is also the founder of the Uko Literacy Initiative, a charity and NGO focused on providing free adult education programmes and free quality kindergarten education in rural communities.

Her greatest desire is to see people surrender their lives to Jesus, be established in the Word of God and walk in the fullness of everything Christ has purchased for them.

To get in touch, send an email to edikan@lovefaithandmiracles.com