“Therefore, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Pe. 2:1-2)

What kind of spiritual beverage have you been consuming? Has it been pure, or watered down — or even purely artificial?

Some preachers are serving up “diet soda sermons.”

Like diet soda, these messages are enjoyable. They make the hearer feel good. However, also like diet soda, there is no nourishment in them. They don’t even resemble food. In fact, if you examine them closely, you can tell they’re false; they have a syrupy, fake nature. These sermons usually rely on highly-inaccurate paraphrases; there is no Word in them at all.

Other preachers are doling out “baby formula sermons.”

These are a bit closer to the real thing. Most of these preachers believe they’re offering pure milk, and there is some spiritual nourishment in these messages. They’re watered down, though, or a little “off”; they do not provide as much nourishment as the real thing, and they don’t carry the same protection. A “baby formula sermon” usually begins with the Word, but doesn’t truly center on it, or sidesteps the tough message that may be an inherent part of it.

Finally, there are those pastors who are serving pure milk.

Their sermons are truly thirst-quenching and spiritually filling. Centered fully on the Word, these messages offer protection against the enemy’s attacks. They strengthen their hearers and cause them to grow steadily and well.

Pure milk is desirable. Newborn babies don’t just “settle” for eating; they fervently desire to eat. They grow hungry and seek out the source of food. When they find it, they throw all their attention and energy at consuming it. Are you hungry? Are you seeking out a source of pure milk? Are you voraciously consuming the Word?

If not, perhaps you’ve had your appetite ruined by that artificial “food” which does not satisfy. Perhaps you’ve lost a taste for the real thing by your consumption of sugary substitutes. Check your diet, and latch on to some clean, quality milk.