"Useful" by Beth Button
For those of you that haven't noticed my growing waistline,
I am pregnant.
I don't hate pregnancy, but I don't love it either. It really is like an alien taking over
your body. Nothing feels the
same. I long to feel normal once
again: to sleep through the night, to wear belts, and most importantly to not
be hungry ALL THE TIME.
I used to have self control. I was a relatively healthy eater that ate a normal amount of
food. Now, I eat constantly. I really can't stop. And even when I am not eating, I am
thinking about food. It is all I
talk about. Even my exercise is
food centered. I jog to a coffee
shop, or walk to a local bakery.
Really healthy, I know. I
focus on food way more than any person should.
Which made me think...what if I was as spiritually hungry as I
am physically? What if I thought
about God as much as I think about food?
What if God was the focus of all the activities of my day?
How differently would my days look?
Why don't I crave God with all of my energy and desire? John Piper claims that, "The greatest
enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite
for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. It is not the
X-rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every
night. "
I agree (and not just because of the food analogies). It is not big horrible sins or
obstacles that keep me from wanting more of God. It is the innocent diversions: a good novel, time web
surfing, coffee with a friend, and of course, food. Please do not think I am saying any of these things are bad,
it is just that none of them are God.
And I settle for these poor substitutes.
Luke (my favorite) 8:14:
"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear,
but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and
pleasures, and they do not mature."
In
this verse, the seed is referring to God's Word. Jesus warned us that we could be distracted by life; that
worries, riches, and pleasures would get in the way of our growing and desiring
Him. That hunger for TV, shopping,
and fun with friends can get in the way of our hunger for Him.
This
is even more evident during the Christmas season, a season that pretends to be
about Christ, but is instead filled with innocent diversions that are an
obstacle to our really desiring Him.
And let's not forget to mention my favorite topic - the food! I can't wait to do my Christmas baking,
but am not nearly as excited about my time with God this season.
The
strange thing is, when I do take time to study God's Word and pray, my hunger
for Him grows. The strongest
Christians I have met are the hungriest for God. Feeding your spiritual appetite makes it grow, not
shrink. When referring to hunger for
God, there is an infinite dinner available. And now, even with my pregnant appetite, I can consume as
much as I want.
So, I
challenge you to this season to push away innocent diversions that keep you
from wanting more of Him. I
challenge you to take Him in...He will make you want even more.
