Down in their hearts, wise men and women know this truth; the only way to help yourself is to help others. (Elbert Hubbard)
The principles pertaining to our natural lives also apply to our spiritual lives. There are two basic steps one must take in order to maintain spiritual health. You must eat right—this is an absolute necessity. “Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2 ERV). The next step is simple; find an outlet of service where you can give out that which you are taking in. “Only a life lived for others is worth living” (Albert Einstein).
For years I’ve watched people go from one church to another seeking spiritual satisfaction. They often complain, “I’m going somewhere else because I’m not getting fed here.” They find something wrong with every church they attend. In a majority of cases the real issue isn’t a lack of food but a problem with exercise. There has never been a minister or ministry capable of completely satisfying our craving for spiritual fulfillment or contentment. “If anyone will not work, neither shall he or she eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). If we do not work at maintaining our spiritual well being we will not grow. Faith not put into action will die. If we do not act on the knowledge we have, our faith will become a useless medallion dangling from an empty confession of faith.
If you are a dedicated church member, sitting through service after service, only to find yourself constantly exasperated; you have most likely become spiritually constipated by a lack of service. The cure is simple and begins with a good dose of commitment to the work of the ministry. Swallow at least two cups of humility, along with a good portion of submission to God’s will of reaching others. Give those ingredients a little time to work and then make some sacrifices, mix them with service, along with respect for the well being of others, and wash it all down with worship. Follow through with praise and thanksgiving until you totally recover. It will only take a little time before you are spiritually healthy and happy. You do not get something for nothing—not in God’s economy.