The Bull Moose Principle
Our health and strength depend on wise “spiritual” nutrition. The food we eat is assimilated into our bodies and becomes our nails, skin cells, and blood. In the same way, what we are becoming—spiritually is what we feed on and put into our minds.
Have you heard of the bull-moose principle? I was reading an article in National Geographic about the Alaskan Bull Moose. Essentially the article noted that the males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide.
Often the antlers are their only weapons broken, and that ensures defeat. The heftiest moose with the largest and strongest antlers wins. Therefore, the battle is fought in the Fall and is won during the summer when the moose eats continually.
The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk.
Satan will choose a season to attack and maybe victorious depending on what we do before the war begins. The bull-moose principle is to eat healthy before the fight comes and develop what you need now before the spiritual war hits.
Proverbs 23:7 is the biblical version of we are what we eat: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” What we read, listen to, and who we hang out with influences us spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
Many of us have a high-fat, high-sugar, mental and spiritual diet that’s heavy in “screen time.” It’s easy to eat and digest the world’s philosophy by reading, watching, or hearing “unhealthy” foods. We are taking in too much “junk food.”
Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever things are true… noble… just… pure… lovely… of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate (feed) on these things.”
People who feed their minds and souls with lots of entertainment lose spiritual muscle. When we watch too many movies and too much television, we let other people do our thinking for us. Those who feed their minds on a steady “media” diet can become weak and shallow.
But what of those who feed their minds on quality literature, solid educational materials, relevant information, and regular Bible study? They are strong and healthy, and when the fight comes, they are ready.
Romans 8:5, “Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”
1 Timothy 4:7-8, “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
The goal of discipleship involves being more like Jesus and knowing God more intimately, and learning to enjoy Him more fully.
Psalm 19:10, “God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries” (The Message).
Get ready together!
Pastor Steve