Top-feeders vs. Bottom-feeders
Friday, February 6, 2026
“Let your intellect be exercised concerning the Lord Jesus. Meditate upon what you read. Stop not at the surface; dive into the depths. Be not as the swallow, which touches the brook with her wing, but as the fish, which penetrates the lowest wave.” – C.H. Spurgeon
On a recent trip to Ocala with our six grandkids, Deanna and I took them to Silver Springs State Park to ride on one of their famous glass-bottomed boats. Because of our grandkids’ ages (3-11), we opted for the 30-minute tour instead of the 90-minute one, However, we still got to see quite a few of the underwater springs that produce millions of gallons of fresh purified water daily.
Because the spring water is more than 99% pure as it seeps through layer after layer of limestone, you can see the bottom of the Silver River even though it is sometimes more than 30-feet deep. That clarity allows you to see every type of fish imaginable, even bottom-feeders.
In today’s quote, Charles Spurgeon makes a point of saying that we, as believers, cannot afford to be “top-feeders” when it comes to studying God’s Word. A superficial reading of the Bible makes for shallow Christians. Conversely, diving into the depths of Scripture and meditating on the profound truths that it contains develops true spiritual maturity.
Like I said before, the spring water emanating from the limestone depths at Silver Springs is more than 99% pure. However, God’s Word is even purer that that! Not only is the Bible 100% pure, but it is also 100% reliable, inspired, infallible, and inerrant.
“Your promise is completely pure; therefore Your servant loves it.” Psalm 119:140 (BSB)
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 (ESV)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, having been fully equipped toward every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (BSB)
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:17 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
