FFood for Thought

There has been much written and/or thought about this phrase, including its true meaning. Some have associated its origin with Pythagoras while others suggest Plutarch; yet others are unsure. The generally accepted meaning of the phrase is suggested by Miriam Webster as, “something that should be thought about or considered.”  Dictionary.com elaborates further, “an idea or issue to ponder. . .This metaphoric phrase, transferring the idea of digestion from the stomach to mulling something over in the mind, dates back to the late 1800s, although the idea was also expressed somewhat differently at least three centuries earlier.” Nicholas Appleyard published a book entitled, “Food for Thought – 365 Christian Quotes to Start your Day with,” including Mother Teresa.

Food itself is a basic need for human life.  Our bodies were created by God to be sustained by food that He also created.  Genesis records for us His words to Adam, “You are free to eat of any tree in the garden, but you must not eat of tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:16) The subject of food continues in God’s Word throughout the Old Testament (“O. T.”). Remember the Israelites grumbling for food and water while in the desert?  Or a famine in Jacob’s time where his son, Joseph, was wise and prepared for the famine that saved the Israelites from certain death.  And so on…

But as Jesus said on the Sermon on the Mount, “…life is more important than food.” (Matthew 6:25, paraphrased) In John’s gospel, the Good Shepherd chapter, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) In another situation, Jesus is instructing His disciples.  He says, “do not work for food that spoils, but food that endures to eternal life. (6:27) As humans, we tend to focus on the here and now, i.e., food for our stomachs to satiate hunger.  But our LORD came not to feed us physical food but that would sustain us for eternity.  And that’s food for thought!

My topic today was in part initiated by the ever-changing world that is very quickly moving away from that spiritual food that is ONLY available in The Word!  Yes, the world is looking for gods in fine clothing or fancy words spewing out what we need. So what do the statisticians say?  The first data set talks about millennials since 2009 which states, “Bible reading has become less widespread, especially among the youngest adults. As more and more millennials join the ranks of adulthood, the national average continues to weaken.”  Barna Research reports that in 2019, “35% of American adults said they realistically NEVER read the Bible outside of a larger service/mass.” The data continue to show similar results in 2020 reports Barna.  Daily use was pegged at 9%.

Although not shown here, additional data from Barna in association with the American Bible Society for those U. S. adults who read the Bible three or four times per year outside a church service.  They noted a 10-year nadir of 48% in 2020

Statista.com recently published data from their research (2018-2021).  The table below summarizes their research on Bible reading frequency by US adults.

These data are clear.  Fewer and fewer US citizens are leaning on God’s Word for their spiritual food. At the same time, Bible translators throughout the world are diligent in their collective efforts to provide His Word in their heart language. Remember John’s concluding message to his readers? “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31)

Here are some of my thoughts and perhaps may be food for thought for you too!

• How can each of us encourage our friends and neighbors to open God’s Word?
• If you are one of the less-than-acceptable statistics in the data presented, how can you move closer to your LORD by opening His Word and let the Spirit of God speak to you?
• How can we shift focus in favor of providing more prayers, funds, and personnel to get the Good News to those in the world who have not heard of their Savior? Data continues to show that more and more financial support within our parishes are staying “home” with fewer dollars provided for missions.

Peace

Connected in Him I stand

GHR