Basically all living things can be divided into two main groups: Producers, such as plants and consumers, such as man, animals and insects. Most of our energy whether directly or indirectly is supplied by the sun. Plants are able to harness this energy most effectively and produce a variety of organic substances. One such substance is called carbohydrate; a compound that consists of the following elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Examples of carbohydrates would include substances such as sugar, starch and cellulose.
A brief explanation of these carbohydrates. Sugars, the smallest molecules of the carbohydrate group. The reason why I use the word sugars, is because there are many different kinds of sugars. Starch, the second member of the group, is made up of many sugar molecules, resulting in a chain like structure. So that, when starch is broken up into smaller molecules, sugar is the result. Cellulose, the last member of the carbohydrate group, is one of the most abundant organic substances in the world. Examples would include trees, leaves, grasses, celery, etc. Now, it should be pointed out that cellulose is also made up of sugar molecules, and is identical in composition to starch. The only difference, between starch and cellulose, is the way that the sugar molecules are held together. This holding together of the sugar molecules is called bonding. Therefore, starch and cellulose are made up of the identical sugar molecules; but, the difference is the way these sugar molecules are held together.
We humans, have no difficulty in eating starch such as potatoes and bread. We find that our digestive system is able to digest this starch and obtain nourishment and energy from it. However, it is a different story if we were to try to survive and grow on cellulose (grass or celery). Starch and cellulose have identical elements, identical sugar molecules and yet our bodies are unable to digest it. Our digestive system is unable to break up the cellulose into sugar, as it is able to do with starch. So that, when we eat cellulose such as celery, we obtain very little nourishment from it, and it just passes out of our system.
Which leads me to point out, that animals such as cows are able to digest cellulose and obtain nourishment and grow. That's because cows are able to break up cellulose in to sugar molecules. Now, let me point out, that the cow is only able to do this with the help of cellulose digesting bacteria, that are found in the cows stomach. And, if it wouldn't be for these cellulose digesting bacteria, the cow too would be unable to live off of cellulose.
This relationship, where two organisms live together for the mutual benefit of each other, is referred to by scientists as symbiosis. And notice, that this relationship is not only beneficial for the cow, but also for the bacteria. Let me just cite one more example of symbiosis, from the numerous ones that are found in nature. The little termite has a unique partner living inside it. The termite owes its success to a one cell animal, a small protozoa that lives within the termite. It is this indwelling protozoa that breaks up the cellulose into sugar, and the sugar in turn is consumed by the termite.
This is my whole point, that in nature this relationship is referred to as symbiosis; as the indwelling bacteria of the cow or the indwelling protozoa of the termite. Just as the cow and the termite had to obtain these indwelling organisms or it would result in their physical death. This is also true of us, if we are not born again, that is, if we do not invite Christ to dwell with in us, then this will result in our spiritual death.
Let me explain, what I mean by spiritual death. Here in this world the only way we can grow spiritually is by reading, studying and feeding on God's word (the Bible). Now, if we do not have the indwelling Spirit, then, God's word is like cellulose to our system. Because, without the Holy Spirit digesting the word for us; God's word has no meaning for us. God's word is tough as cellulose is tough, and no matter how much we read God's word and try to feed on it, we will get no nourishment from it. It will pass through our system without providing any kind of nourishment. As a matter of fact, without the indwelling Spirit, God's word would truly be as grass, a tough substance, without any taste and there would be no natural desire on our part to partake of it. In fact, the natural man, makes fun of God, ridicules and mocks God. And considers God and His word as foolishness. As recorded in I Corinthians 1:18-25; and II Corinthians 2:14.
That's right, God's word is foolishness to the natural man because there is no symbiosis, there is no indwelling Spirit to digest God's word (cellulose) and change it to sugar.
We find that God gives an invitation for all to come and feast upon his word, as recorded in Psalms 34:8;
But, can you honestly say or express the same desire as David did in Psalms 119:103?
Do you have such a desire for God's word? Is God's word sweet to your taste? Has symbiosis taken place in your life? Do you have the indwelling Spirit? A Spirit, that is able to take the tough tasteless word of God and change it to sugar, so that, it is sweet to your taste and in turn you are able to digest it and be nourished by it and grow and mature. All this is possible, if there is a symbiotic relationship between you and the Holy Spirit. And just as the cow and termite were not born with the indwelling organisms. It was necessary for the cow to acquire the cellulose digesting bacteria, just as it was necessary for the termite to acquire the protozoa, so it is true of us. We too, in order to have spiritual symbiosis must also invite Christ into our hearts, as recorded in Revelation 3:20.
Just as physical death for the cow and termite will result without symbiosis, so there will be spiritual death without spiritual symbiosis taking place in our lives, Upon acknowledging Romans 3:23;
And accepting Christ into our hearts, as mentioned in Rev. 3:20; Christ explains about the indwelling Spirit in John 14:16;
It is this indwelling Spirit, that enables us to feast on God's word, where as before it was tough and tasteless and with out meaning, now the opposite is true. The Holy Spirit not only helps us to digest God's word, but also leads us into truth, as recorded in I Cor. 2:10;
Yes, God's word is truly tough as cellulose and it need not be, if you have the indwelling Spirit. And truly! God's word is abundant as cellulose, it is free, and you can have a real feast in God's word, but only if you have the indwelling Spirit.
I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE; HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME SHALL NEVER THIRST.