The world is filled with different races, cultures, governments, values, etc. In the midst of all the differences there are common denominators. These commonalities are the necessities of human life. No matter the race, culture, up-bringing, or values, each member of mankind has the dire need of water, food, and oxygen. Without these elements, among others, it is impossible to thrive. This is not a truth that is hidden from the masses. Even the simplest members of society groan with the pangs of hunger and thirst, knowing their need for such sustenance. No man would argue against these fundamental truths. However, despite the universal knowledge of such necessities, there is one that is left out amongst the vast majority of mankind.
The word of God is an indispensable source of life and nourishment. It is a vital element in the welfare of mankind. While other facets of creation have only need of physical nourishment, mankind is in need of something more. We were created differently than any other. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). We, unlike animals, have something given by God that will ultimately return to Him in the end, in contrast to everything else that will be destroyed with fire (cf. 2 Peter 3:10-13). “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). This element of life is the difference between man and animal.
Most value their bodies above their soul. This is folly. The apostle Paul put emphasis on the spiritual man when he informed Timothy, “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance” (1 Timothy 4:8-9). Those who spend hours upon hours planning, working, and worrying about physical health, while neglecting their spiritual man, live a superficial, irresponsible, and ignorant lifestyle. The struggle to maintain physical aesthetics never fails to boast of vanity.
No matter the schemes and tactics, the physical man will continue to deteriorate. There is no medicine, nutrition plan, workout plan, or beauty product that has the capability of renewing the body to its physical peak. This should not be worrisome to one who has the perspective that transcends trivial matters. For the opposite can be said of the soul. Paul wrote, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The human body is designed to begin small and weak, yet with time grow big and strong. However, on the other side of the peak it descends to an inability to function. The spiritual man is created for continual growth. The only possibility for a decline in spiritual health is self-negligence (cf. Hebrews 5:12-6:3). Sadly, this is true for the vast majority of mankind.
Jesus said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). He offers spiritual sustenance for all of mankind. Yet most ignore, and reject provision from the Son of God – “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4), “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).
The word of God must be understood as a daily necessity. Without it we will starve. With it we will thrive. The spiritual man without the word of God is decrepit, emaciated, and vulnerable to the devices of our adversary. We must equip ourselves daily with the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). We would not purposefully neglect ourselves the sustenance of food and water. Why would we neglect ourselves the life giving sustenance offered freely by our God?