I love to cook. I find such joy while preparing a delicious meal, whether it is for two, 200 or somewhere in between. I have confidence in my skill and in my desire to find something unique to prepare, as well as my interest in learning something new.

Regardless of whether I use a recipe or whip something together, there must be ingredients of some sort. Ingredients make up everything we eat.

Sometimes ingredients are better than others. Obviously fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier for us, so when they can be purchased in season, the end product is just more appealing. We live in a time where what we put into our bodies is much more important. Better ingredients make better food (I think I just stole that from a popular pizza joint!).

What “ingredients” are needed for a better relationship with God or for spiritual growth? Let’s take a look at some of these elements.

Bible Study

An example of studying God’s Word can be found in the book of Ezra. He was “well versed in the Law of Moses.” He arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon and he had “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:1-10 – NIV)

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Timothy was told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We also should study God’s Word so that we know exactly what His Word says. We then, will be able to be like Timothy.

Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) shows us that we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

Here are a few other verses to take note of that lead us to the same conclusion. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 – NIV) “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b – NIV)

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) reminds me of King David’s words. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hiding Scripture in my heart keeps me on the right path. God’s path.

And we find that the Hebrew nation was given a similar command regarding the memorization of God’s commands. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:6 – NIV)

You may want to consider some other “ingredients” for spiritual growth that we don’t have time to go into with this post, but you could look up the provided Scripture to see what God’s word has to say about them.

Worship (Psalm 95:6; Psalm 122:1, John 4:24; Romans 12:1-2)

Meditation (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 119:148)

Fasting (Isaiah 58; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 14:23)

Silence and Solitude (Job 33:32-33; Psalm 4:3-4; Habakkuk 2:20; Luke 6:12)

Rest (Psalm 119:165; Psalm 127:2; Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 11:28)

I love what James says in James 1:22 (NIV), “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We must put all that we learn through the “ingredients” into practice, otherwise we will not grow spiritually. That is not what God wants us to be or how He wants us to live our lives. We are to do what His Word says.

And since I chatted earlier about loving to cook, I had to bring this passage into this piece. 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV) tells us that we are to crave spiritual milk, because we have tasted that Lord is good. “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.”

The “ingredients” listed above lead to spiritual maturity and as we mature, we crave God more and more and only want what He has to offer.

So let’s do a little evaluation of our lives by answering the following questions.

What are the steps you need to take to move from infancy to Christian maturity? Are you in a weekly Bible study that draws you into God’s Word to learn more about God? Are you attending worship services on a regular basis? Do you have a spiritual mentor who can assist when you have a spiritual question? Do you crave being with God daily?

I pray that today you will crave God over anything else.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna