Who’s Cooking?

There’s a phrase that often echoes through church hallways and small group circles: “I’m not being fed.” I’ve said it before, and maybe you have too. But recently, a better question has come to mind: “If I’m not being fed, who’s cooking?”

At some point in our spiritual journey, we must move from being spoon-fed to picking up the spatula ourselves. Hebrews puts it plainly:

“Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:12–14)

This isn’t a guilt trip. It’s a gracious invitation: grow up in Christ. Learn how to cook. Learn how to feed others.

From Milk to Meals

Maturity means moving beyond only receiving. It means learning to read Scripture for ourselves, sit with God in silence, wrestle with the hard truths, and apply what we learn. It’s about building not just any meal, but a four-course meal that aligns with the character and teachings of Jesus:

• Appetizer: Silence, awe, and awareness of God’s presence.

• Main Course: Scripture and obedience.

• Side Dish: Community and mutual encouragement.

• Dessert: Celebration, worship, and joy in the Spirit.

Each of these “courses” takes intentionality. It takes practice. And it takes discernment in choosing ingredients that are fresh and faithful, not just flashy.

Beware of Charismatic Chefs

In today’s world, it’s easy to fall in love with spiritual “chefs” who serve up gourmet sermons and emotionally stirring worship. Their charisma can be compelling, their messages full of flavor. But if we only ever eat what they serve, we risk becoming spiritually dependent on their personality instead of Christ’s presence.

Jesus doesn’t run a buffet line. He invites us into the kitchen.

Paul warns the Corinthians about aligning too closely with leaders: “One of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos’… Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). We need leaders, but we must not mistake their giftedness for our spiritual growth. Their meal cannot replace our own walk with God.

Start Cooking

Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen in a microwave. It’s slow-roasted. Here are a few questions to reflect on:

• Am I expecting others to cook for me every week?

• Do I know how to prepare a meal with Jesus?

• What am I feeding my soul on daily?

• Who am I inviting to the table?

It’s time to get in the kitchen. Let’s stop waiting to be fed and start cooking something that nourishes us and feeds others.

Reflection

Take inventory of your spiritual pantry. Are you stocking up on Scripture, prayer, solitude, and service? What’s one new practice you can begin this week to start cooking your own spiritual meals?