As I said before, each week I would like to give you some more food for thought regarding Sunday's message. (pun intended!) Having subscribed recently to a magazine that keeps me informed of much of the culture around me, November's issue of WIRED magazine speaks about the whole issue and future of food in the world. If you are interested in reading what I am, you can find the specific article here. As per usual in our culture, our so-called smartest people believe that to solve the global food shortage crisis we need a scientific solution. Although I think science will help us create healthier food, science can never stop us from being greedy or idolatrous in our food addictions. This worldly solution is an example of what I was speaking about when I said that often we are 'outside-in' in our thinking--meaning that we sometimes believe that changing our external behavior first will then affect what is in our hearts. The Bible says the complete opposite however. Jesus in fact said, 'Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him . . . For from within, out of the heart of a man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.' (Mark 7:15-22, ESV) Let us be reminded then, that simply not eating, or eating only what we need will still never truly solve the problem. What we need is Jesus to change our hearts to the points where we begin to see our intake of food as a way to bring glory to him. One way this is done is by being thankful for our food. Another way, is by inviting others to partake of the goodness that God has given to us. In fact, regularly inviting strangers to take part of our mealtimes is the true definition of hospitality and a requirement of God's leaders. (See 1 Tim. 3:2) May we be reminded of God's goodness and grace to us as we eat today.
1 comment:
recently I read a copy of Time magazine (I subscribe) and there was a leader of some world organization that commented on how we can go to the moon, create technology, and all kinds of things but she asked why we can't provide food for the 840 million who live in poverty and often don't eat at all. I wish I could find the exact issue to quote exactly, it has really challenged me. As well in TIME i saw a picture of a man in a African nation making mud cakes. These were actual cakes made solely of mud. People eat these to fill their stomach obviously with zero nutritional value. What kind of a world is this that we are fine with people eating mud!!!!
Blair
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