Becoming a Christian is entering into life. Life, however, needs to be nourished if there is to be healthy, normal development; good food is essential. What is God's provision for spiritual growth?—the Scriptures of truth. If I would grow into the full stature of Christ I must read, study and meditate upon the Word of God continually (Psalm 1:2). I must have frequent meals in the King's banqueting house and jealously shun any temptation to omit this from my daily program. I must allow nothing, however commendable in itself, to rob me of this secret season each day. Let me never for a moment listen to the Devil's subtle suggestion that other things are more important. He will leave no avenue unpursued in order to divert me from the pathway of daily devotion. It were better for me to miss my breakfast than to forfeit my morning feast upon the heavenly manna. Job said, "I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).

Practically all backsliding and spiritual decline are originally traceable to a neglect of Bible study and devotional meditation. If I fail to "chew the cud" spiritually I shall become a half-blessed, skimpy, emaciated sort of Christian. Such specimens are a slander upon this "so great salvation"! Spiritual invalids (1 Corinthians 11:30) are a disgrace to the family name. While a little boy was stumbling through Isaiah 6 and repeating part of verse 5, he read, "Woe is me! for I am underdone." I smiled, and thought that many lean Christians might well wail out the same complaint! Shame on the King's son who lives like a pauper, or feeds on husks when there is "enough and to spare" in the Father's house!

Yes, I must read my Bible (John 5:39). I may not understand all I read, but the Holy Spirit promises to administer food convenient for me (Proverbs 30:8). He will teach me all things and bring all things to my remembrance (John 14:26). Daily Bible reading should be prefaced with a prayer for spiritual understanding (Psalm 119:18). The Bible is a spiritual book, written by a spiritual author (1 Corinthians 2:14). One word more, which is important especially today—let me avoid any kind of reading which takes away a healthy appetite for the Bible. "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:13).

—Reginald Wallis