What bores you?
A Biblical, Expository Reflection on Spiritual Appetite and Holy Discontent
“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
— Hebrews 5:14 (NKJV)
Introduction: Boredom as a Spiritual Signal
“What bores you?” sounds like a casual question, but Scripture treats it as a diagnostic of the heart. What leaves us uninterested, weary, or restless often reveals what no longer feeds our spirit—or what never did.
In the Bible, boredom is rarely named outright, but it is clearly described: weariness with God’s ways, dullness toward His Word, impatience with His process, and craving for novelty over obedience. Far from being neutral, boredom can be a warning light on the dashboard of the soul.
1. When God’s Provision Becomes “Boring”
Key Text: Numbers 11:4–6
“Who will give us meat to eat? … But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.” (KJV)
Expository Insight
Using a Hebrew concordance, the word manna (מָן, man) literally means “What is it?”—a daily mystery that required trust. According to Bible dictionaries, manna symbolised daily dependence, not culinary excitement.
Yet Israel became bored with provision because familiarity replaced gratitude.
God was faithful daily But the people craved variety, not obedience What once was a miracle became “monotonous”
Spiritual Principle:
When provision becomes boring, entitlement has replaced wonder.
2. Bored With the Word: A Sign of Spiritual Immaturity
Key Text: Hebrews 5:11–12 (ESV)
“You have become dull of hearing… you need milk, not solid food.”
Word Study
The Greek word translated “dull” is νωθρός (nōthros), meaning:
sluggish lazy apathetic mentally disengaged
This is not an intellectual problem—it is a discipline problem.
The Bible dictionary definition of milk vs meat shows:
Milk = elementary truth, comfort-focused faith Meat = demanding truth, growth through practice
Spiritual Principle:
If Scripture bores you, it is not because the Word lacks depth—but because appetite has not been trained.
3. When Righteousness Feels Tedious
Key Text: Malachi 1:13 (NIV)
“You say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously.”
Israel was bored with worship.
Routine replaced reverence
Obligation replaced honour
Service felt like a chore, not a privilege
According to Bible dictionaries, weariness here implies contempt born from repetition without revelation.
Spiritual Principle:
Anything done for God without love for God will eventually feel boring.
4. Jesus and Holy Disinterest
Interestingly, Jesus Himself was unmoved—even bored—with certain things:
Religious performance without heart (Matthew 23)
Repetitive words without faith (Matthew 6:7)
Signs demanded without repentance (Matthew 12:39)
But He was never bored with:
The Father’s will (John 4:34)
Teaching truth
Transforming lives
Spiritual Principle:
What bores you reveals what kingdom you are living for.
5. Paul’s Confession: The End of Spiritual Boredom
Key Text: Philippians 3:8 (AMP)
“I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…”
Paul was bored with:
Status
Religious credentials
Self-achievement
But endlessly fascinated by Christ.
The Greek word for knowing (ginōskō) implies experiential, ongoing discovery, not static information.
Spiritual Principle:
You never get bored with Christ—only with religion without revelation.
Conclusion:
What Bores You Is Preaching to You
Boredom is not always a sin—but it is always a message.
If prayer bores you → your dependence may be shallow
If the Word bores you → your appetite needs training
If holiness bores you → love has cooled
If sin excites you → values need reordering
Final Scripture: Psalm 119:103 (NKJV)
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
When God becomes your delight, boredom loses its power.
Reflection Questions
What spiritual activity do I secretly find tedious?
What once excited me about God that now feels routine?
Am I feeding my soul—or just filling time?
Prayer:
“Lord, restore my appetite for You. Let nothing You value ever feel boring to me again. Amen.”
The Message Bearer (SmilingPreacher), Cornelius Bella
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