SPIRITUAL CRAVINGS

Like newborn babies,
crave pure spiritual milk,
so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 1:2,3

Cravings are real and powerful. Placed in the lives of fallen people in this fallen world, they often become conduits for that which harms. But when Christ gets involved, cravings can be turned to that which helps.

The Bible uses the word 'craving' to address our spiritual lives. Much spiritual junkfood is available, presenting a potentially serious problem. Writing about Israel during the exodus, the Psalmist records, “In the desert they gave way to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test" (Psalm 106:14).

The craving is not the problem. That which is being craved is the issue.

Peter presents the other side of this issue when he exhorts, "…crave pure spiritual milk…" It is clear that this pure spiritual milk is the "living and enduring Word of God" (1 Peter 1:23).

Craving emotional experiences or the latest fad invading the church will lead to the decrease in the craving that is an essential for our spiritual life and well-being.

Do you crave the Word of God? If so, great! Keep feeding that craving and the craving will strengthen. If not, face the issue head-on right now. Turn away from the junkfood. Turn to the spiritual nourishment that satisfies and strengthens.

"Lord, I pray with the Psalmist, 'Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word'" (Psalm 119:37).

A Victorious Partnership

Followers of Christ are citizens of the Kingdom of God. At the moment of conversion, at the second that we trusted in Christ alone for our salvation, we experienced a change of citizenship. One moment we were citizens of the kingdom of this world where Satan yields tremendous power; the next we were citizens of God’s Kingdom where Jesus is the Sovereign.

I really need to give a sentence of explanation about being citizens of the kingdom of this world. In Satan’s domain we were his slaves. Satan does not give up his slaves easily. This angry, spiteful being becomes even more angry and spiteful against those who have the audacity to flee his kingdom to follow Christ. So the battle is on and it is intense.

If you read the above sentences and think to yourself, “I don’t experience this battle...I am actually quite ignored by the enemy,” it is more than likely that you remain far too satisfied and intrigued with the offerings of this world system. If this describes you, Satan does not need to attack you; he already has rendered your spiritually neutral and ineffective.

For those on the front line of this battle, you know that nothing strange is happening. This is exactly what Jesus promised would take place and the Word of God informs you will be the experience of citizens of Christ’s Kingdom living in this fallen world.

• Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b).
• In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (1 Peter 1:6).
  

Of all of the spiritual treasures of our inheritance, Jesus and the Bible top the list. Interestingly, both are revealed to be the Word and to be the Truth. However, both are not only spiritual treasures, both are essential for our spiritual victory as citizens of God’s Kingdom living as strangers and aliens in this fallen world.

To claim citizenship in God’s Kingdom and then live in a manner resembling citizens of this worldly kingdom is spiritually suspect. It should cause one to examine the reality of his conversion and evaluate the level of his consecration.

• But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).
• But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body (Philippians 3:20,21).

This partnership of Jesus and the Bible, the Truth and the Word, needs to be cherished, valued and esteemed above everything else in life. Above spouse, children, possessions, profession, education, EVERYTHING!