Once upon a time there was a man who was gravely ill. His wife brought him the strong medicine ordered by the doctor, but he complained that it tasted bitter and caused him some pain. So, to spare him, his wife watered it down. He was so happy. It almost tasted good and his tummy didn’t hurt any more.

She was so kind to him, but there was a catch. All was not well. The diluted medicine was no longer strong enough to do its job. So the man’s illness got worse. He grew weaker and weaker, and one day he died.

We must never water down the word of God. It may leave a bad taste in our mouth. It may cause some temporary pain and discomfort. But if we water it down, it won’t keep us spiritually healthy.

Take the word of God just has he prescribed it—at full strength!

“For the word of God is alive and active…”—Hebrews 4:12.