Today I thought it was important to share this Wednesday Word from Youth Pastor Andre Crouch, Jr. from the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Maryland (my home state!).
In this clip, Pastor Andre shares with the youth of his church the importance of feeding your spirit with the right things in this Christian walk. And really, it’s a reminder and challenge for EVERYONE OF US!
Pastor Andre uses the example of a clear cup of water as our lives in Christ. When you stop feeding off the Word of God, you’re going to start substituting it for other things — maybe smoking, sex, negative music, etc. A young person added drops of food coloring for every time we may do these things instead of feeding our spirit with the things of God. And though you may only do it “one time,” those “one-time” moments can add up and take away from not only who you should be as a believer, but also your witness to nonbelievers!
“What happens when there were people you were supposed to witness to that’s supposed to be able to drink from the cup of your life and this is what they’re drinking?” the youth pastor shared as he held up a dirty cup. “People are supposed to experience and taste the goodness of God through Christians!” WHEW….CONVICTION. Watch this great pastor’s example below!
I’ve had to challenge myself on this. Not only because my life is now supposed to be a witness to the goodness of Jesus and a reflection of Who God is, but also because I’m called as a believer to do better! We all are. So, in recent years, I’ve had to challenge myself to stop feeding my spirit with certain shows and songs, which I still have a ways to go with (I’ll write/talk about that later).
Though I’ll never be perfect and still slip up, I’ve seen a big change in how I act and react in life. But when I don’t have time with God…the days are ROUGH. So I’m trying to start my day with prayer and devotional time with God because I notice the difference. Even a worship session this morning gave me a renewed energy for the day!
So I challenge y’all, as I challenge myself, to be mindful of what you’re feeding your spirit. Your walk with God (and your witness to others!) depends on it.
Imperfectly B 