Calorie Deficient

by Matt McLain
CRBC Student Pastor

Back in high school and college, I was waking up at 5 a.m. to run five miles, train in the afternoon and get an evening soccer practice in before studying, I was not getting enough calories. The constant running and the bland cafeteria food did not help, and my lean, six-foot one-inch frame showed it. However, something incredible happened once I graduated from college, and I started eating Sarah’s cooking. I grew a whole inch. This burst came out of nowhere. In a shocked state, I asked my mother-in-law who is a dietitian the reason for this post-puberty growth spurt, and she said that often time occurs in those who start consuming more calories than they have previously.

It is possible that you are also calorie deficient. I am not talking about physical height, but I am talking about spiritual growth. It is possible that you have been stagnant, bored and simply going through the motions for months, maybe even years. How come it takes a tragedy, a youth retreat, or Lent season for our spiritual depth to take a jump? The truth is during these times we are consuming the right things. The Holy Spirit is speaking to us during these times as we consume more of his word, pray more and are more tuned in to his leading.

So if you are sitting at five-feet nine-inches and weigh 185 and want to put on some serious muscle mass, then start consuming more calories. You need to engage with the Holy Spirit in prayer without ceasing as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. You need to soak up the word of God which breaks a stony heart into pieces as it says in Jeremiah 23:29. You need to worship him and follow after him in holiness according to Psalm 29:2. Grow spiritually this Lent season, but don’t make it a growth spurt, make it a part of your daily life. When your earthly life is at an end, it will not be looked upon as a medical marvel, but rather a giant of the faith.