This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network

I grew up with a disorder called hypoglycemia. Basically, it was a problem with my pancreas and sugar intake and the major side effects I dealt with were nausea and weakness. It was constant so I simply learned to live with it.

You can imagine however, my delight at the age of 21, just a few short months after giving my heart to Jesus, when in a prayer line, God completely healed me of hypoglycemia. It was a noticeable difference. I wasn’t nauseated all the time anymore and food made me strong, not weak.

Over the years, I’ve noticed two things: one, I still don’t have a sweet tooth (but you can give me chips and salsa all day long and I’m a happy camper). The second thing I noticed is that despite being miraculously healed, I still have to watch my intake. I have no issues putting cream and sugar in my coffee every morning but if I choose sugary things more than healthy choices, I don’t feel very good.

I’ve learned that what I consume matters.

This applies spiritually too.

In John, chapter six, Jesus made some interesting comments after the miracle of feeding the five thousand. “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled” (John 6:26). In other words, He knew their hearts– the people were following Him, only because they were hungry again.

Jesus wanted to give them more than natural food. They were hungry, but for the wrong thing.

“Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life. I am the bread of life. No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again” (John 6:27, 35).

As humans, we consume a lot– especially in this internet age. From online shopping to social media to wikipedia and instant information, we can intentionally (and unintentionally) fill ourselves up on a lot that doesn’t satisfy. And the hard truth is, our body (and soul) can only handle so much.

Paul said, “Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

We have to understand this spiritually.

I’m not an exercise enthusiast. Trust me, I’m not the go-to girl for natural exercise, but I do understand this spiritually. To win the prize, we have to exercise self-control in everything.

If, after the gift and miracle of salvation, a person doesn’t watch or manage what they consume spiritually, the result will be a weak and dissatisfied life. This is why Jesus said, “I AM the bread of life…” It’s important to partake of His life (His Word, His love, His presence, His disciplines) every day. For when we do, we won’t hunger or thirst like the world.

Interestingly, I can go to a restaurant with my family and when dessert is offered, I know if I can have only one bite or perhaps none at all. In other words, I know how to read my body. In the same way, when we are out in the world, we need to know how to carry ourselves— what is okay to partake of and what is not.

Jesus is the bread of our daily life. We can have as much of Him as we’d like! But if we neglect our daily intake, allowing the things of this natural world to fill us with dissatisfying natural things, we will find ourselves malnourished, and honestly, a poor example of a rich life in Christ.

This is a great reminder for all of us. I hope you will join me and begin to pay attention to what you consume spiritually and naturally. I’m confident that when we choose Jesus, we will be satisfied.