If we took a poll and asked a simple question: “Given the choice, would you rather thrive, or fail?” What would the majority say? Based on the money generated from self-help books, weight loss companies, fitness coaches, and nutritionists, I think it’s safe to assume that generally, we aim to live healthy lives. In the same sense, the amount of time we spend in worship to the Lord, reading His Word, and praying to Him reflects our desire to be holy. The manifestations of physical and spiritual vitality are clear and tangible. We call this “bearing fruit.”

I personally experienced a turning point in my own health about nine years ago. Despite being in my twenties, I felt lethargic and unhealthy. I turned to a friend, Annessa Chumbley for help. She is a registered dietician and had helped countless people before me. She asked me to record my daily food intake for a week. I vividly recall being embarrassed when it was time to turn the food journal over to her. She assured me that everyone starts somewhere, and there is no shame in being courageous enough to make a change. My diet then consisted of: several sodas a day, chips, fried foods, and of course… ice cream. When she asked me what vegetables I liked to eat, I remember giving her a confused look, and answering, “Um… lettuce, corn, and potatoes?” She smiled, and with no judgement, handed me a nutritional plan that started me on a new path toward better health. I learned to appreciate the beauty, taste, and nutrients God lovingly added to the foods He created. I continued the journey from there and found that I feel best on a plant based diet. I learned that what I put into my body really does make a difference. Junk made me feel like junk, and the food God created made me feel vibrant again.

“For physical training is of some value, but Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
~ 1 Timothy 4:8

Spiritually, we have the same opportunity. Just like eating whole foods can change our health dramatically, allowing God’s Word to feed our soul will nourish us spiritually. The choice is ours and we will either bear fruits of having a safe haven in the Lord, or instead, create our own spiritual famine. Life doesn’t pause long enough to keep us somewhere in the middle.

Jesus spoke clearly about the importance of hearing His Word, and the condition of our heart:

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
~ Matthew 13:3-9

Then, Jesus explained the parable:

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
~ Matthew 13:18-23

Jesus warns us of different scenarios we can encounter. But, if we cling to His Word, endure trials, bear good fruits, choose not to worry, and keep our hearts open to Him, we will flourish spiritually. As Colossians 1:9-10 says, let us ask God to fill us with the knowledge of His will. With wisdom and understanding, we will bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God. Together, let’s choose today to thrive in the Lord. Have a blessed day!