Have you ever been in a restaurant and lost your appetite because of something that happened? Perhaps you found a hair in your food or the person handling the money didn’t wash his/her hands before preparing your food. Sometimes, spiritual appetites are lost in the same way. There are four things that some Christians do that cause people to lose their spiritual appetites.
Hypocrisy.
For Christ to live in us, our hearts have to be pure and holy (Matthew 5:8; Philippians 4:8). No one is perfect, but we must strive to live up to the standards we teach others from Scripture.
Hopelessness.
A cynical worldview, a depressing outlook, or a complaining attitude do not speak well of one’s faith in an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-sufficient God. One reason the first-century church multiplied so rapidly was because men could see their hope (Acts 2:42–47). Keep your hope “lively” (1 Peter 1:3–4).
Harshness.
The servant of the Lord is to be gentle, not gruff (2 Timothy 2:24). Instruction is to be given in meekness, not meanness. Satan loves harsh teachers, for they drive men in his direction and often harden hearts to the point that loving teachers have trouble getting through the scar tissue left behind. Speak the truth, but speak it in love (Ephesians 4:15). “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19).
Haughtiness.
Answers to others are to be given with respect (“fear,” 1 Peter 3:15). A holier-than-thou attitude cools off the interest of those asking. We must not be “highminded, but fear” (Romans 11:20).
If you have lost your appetite at a restaurant, did you decide never to eat again? No. Did you vow to prepare your own meals from now on? Probably not. If someone professing to be a Christian has disappointed you, don’t reject Christianity altogether. Find a better place. Feed your soul. —Wade Webster
