Most of us live off spiritual “snacks.” A quick verse from our Bible app, a short prayer before bed, maybe a worship song in the car on the way to work. None of that is bad, but it won’t fill us. In John 6 Jesus wasn’t offering samples. He was offering Himself.

Jesus looks at a crowd and says something shocking: “The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” (John 6:54, CSB). For His Jewish audience, this was scandalous. Eating flesh? Drinking blood? Against every law they knew. But Jesus wasn’t violating the law—He was fulfilling it. He was saying, “I’m the true Passover Lamb. My life will be given so the whole world can live.”

It’s more than just a metaphor. It’s an invitation. Not just to believe ideas about Jesus, but to actually abide in Him, to let His life seep into ours just like everything else we take in makes its way into our bloodstream.

What Abiding Really Means

The word “abide” means to remain, to dwell, to make your home. Yeah, I know, “The dude abides.” I thought of it too. Jesus used the word abide again in John 15: “Abide in me, and I in you.” He’s inviting into something much deeper than quick prayers or Sunday-only religion. He’s inviting us into a union that shapes every part of who we are.

To be honest, American Christianity has turned abiding into attending. It’s almost like God is lucky WE showed up. We check church off our list. We say grace before meals. We post a Bible verse on Facebook. And then we feed on outrage, fear, politics, and entertainment the rest of the week.

It’s no wonder people are spiritually starving.

Junk Food Faith

Our culture thrives on quick fixes. Instant downloads. Fast food. One-click shopping. So it would make sense that many of us treat faith the same way. We want a God who fixes problems fast but keeps up the pace with us so we don’t have to slow down, listen, or change.

Instead, we gorge ourselves on the cultural diet:

• Outrage: We feed on cable news and social media, convinced anger will somehow save us.
• Division: We swallow political slogans while ignoring the poor and marginalized Jesus cared about most.
• Busyness: We brag about busy schedules while quietly admitting we feel empty inside.
• Loneliness: Surrounded by noise and notifications, we’ve never been more disconnected from real community.

To be blunt, the American church is guilty of feeding people this same junk food. Some pulpits preach political loyalty more than the gospel. Some churches run more like businesses than communities of grace. Many Christians defend “their side” of culture wars while ignoring Jesus’ call to love enemies, welcome strangers, and care for the least of these including immigrants and LGBTQ+ folks.

No wonder younger generations are walking away. If all they see is hypocrisy and hatred, why would they believe Jesus has anything real to offer?

The Slow Simmer of Faith

My grandmother used to make homemade spaghetti, and her secret was simple: let it simmer. The flavors had to soak in over time. Abiding in Jesus works the same way. You can’t microwave transformation. You stay with Him day after day, prayer after prayer, scripture after scripture and His life seeps into yours.

That’s why Jesus said, “Whoever feeds on me will live because of me.” (John 6:57, CSB). Not just one meal but a daily diet.

So what does this look like?

• Get into the Word: Not just as a checklist, but as a conversation. Linger over a verse. Ask, “What does this show me about Jesus?”
• Pray honestly: Not polished presentation. Gratitude, confession, silence. Even whispered prayers throughout the day.
• Find real community: More than an hour on Sunday. Share life with people who push you toward Jesus.
• Obey what you know: Don’t wait for a “big” calling. Start by forgiving someone, serving quietly, or giving generously.

Why This Still Matters

In a culture built on instant gratification, abiding in Jesus is downright rebellious. It’s choosing depth over distraction. It’s refusing to let politics define your values more than the Sermon on the Mount (or those Ten Commandments they want to hang up in classrooms). It’s rejecting the noise of consumer Christianity and choosing the slow, costly, beautiful way of Jesus.

This isn’t just about your spiritual health. The world is starving. For hope, for justice, for love that isn’t performative and recorded for likes. If we’re truly abiding in Jesus, we don’t just get filled, we help fill others.

Maybe the question isn’t just, “Am I feeding on Jesus?” but also, “Is anyone else being fed because I have been?”

Lord Jesus,
You are the Bread of Life, the one who truly satisfies our deepest hunger. Forgive us for the times we’ve filled ourselves with noise, anger, and distractions instead of abiding in You. Teach us to slow down, to remain in Your presence, and to let Your Spirit shape our thoughts, words, and actions. Give us courage to live out Your truth in a world that settles for quick fixes and empty promises. And as we abide in You, may our lives become nourishment for a world that is hungry for love, justice, and hope.
Amen.