Like Filet Mignon For the Soul

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 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 5:13-14)

The writer of Hebrews compares the knowledge of God to milk and solid food. The basics, he refers to as milk, while deeper understanding -- that of a teacher -- he calls solid food. This is apt, and not unprecedented in Scripture. After all, David writes, in Psalm 34:8, "taste and see that the Lord is good!" 

I've pointed out before, the beauty of Scripture is that, with every reading, there is more to learn. But so often, I find it hard to discipline myself to do so. Sometimes, it even feels like a chore. Which is weird, because when I actually do take the time out to read it, it is a real and honest joy to dig in and learn more about the God who created me, saved me, and loves me. Yet there is this whispering in my ear that I don't have time today. That I'll do it when I get around to it. How spoiled I have been, that I can read the very Word of God any time I want, but find excuses to refuse! 

There are places where the Word of God must be smuggled in, and every page is lovingly pored over and savored before being passed on to the next hungry soul. But here I am. I'm like a rich man, refusing to eat his filet mignon, even as the poor around me must struggle just for every taste of milk or crumb of bread. 

God, that I would savor this meal You have placed before me! That I would understand the privilege it is to never be without Your Word, and that I would not only sup often, but then pass the plate!

Five Ways To Worship

Have you ever tried worshiping God with your nose?

I love the fact that, when God put us together, he gave us multiple avenues by which to experience the world around us. Rather than merely seeing and hearing the works of His hands, we can feel the breeze. We can smell and taste the food we need to sustain us. These five senses we have -- touch, sight, taste, smell, and hearing -- can warn us of danger, help us to make our way in the world, and even provide means of experiencing joy and pleasure.

We can also enhance our experience of God by engaging the senses. Listening to worshipful music -- even just instrumental music -- and letting it wash over you as you meditate on the glory of God. Seeing the world around you and praising the Creator, or viewing a work of art created as an act of worship. Feeling the grass beneath your feet or the touch of a child. Smelling a flower; tasting the fruits He has provided for our food.

Indeed, the Scripture reminds us we can experience God Himself through our senses!

Psalm 34:8 says "taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

So often, we see worship as something internal. We sing songs, and try to feel something inside ourselves. But God, though He lives in us, lives outside, too. He is all around us, and can be experienced -- and worshiped -- by each of the senses He provided.
 

Taste & See

Today is Holy Experiment Day: we celebrate giving faith a try. Whether it's praying, or studying the word of God, or even joining a group bible study, today is a day where you're encouraged to "try it out."

While days like today are certainly open for both abuse and interpretation, Scripture itself suggests the same thing. "Taste and see that the Lord is good," invites the Psalmist (Psalm 34:8). "Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."

Of course, this is tricky. It's not as though God is a new car. You don't just hop into faith and take it for a spin to see how she handles. In fact, God has already proven Himself as trustworthy and good. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." What we need to do, then, is to accept this great gift of Love. To recognize ourselves for who and what we are -- wayward children of God -- and to trust in Him to bring us home.

This trust isn't always easy, but then, nothing worthwhile ever is. If faith was as simple as deciding what we liked or didn't like -- like going to one of those pizza buffets -- it would be worse than useless. It would be about us, instead of about Him. But Scripture says, when we put our Faith -- our true, real faith -- in God, that trust will be rewarded.

So if it's not just a matter of "taking God for a spin," how do we taste and see? Romans 4 tells us we are, like Abraham, justified -- that is, made right by God -- through our faith in Him. Romans 5 reminds us that though we -- man -- brought Sin into the world, Jesus Christ bring Grace and healing.  Recognize the sin in your life. Give it over to Christ, who died for that sin. Willingly submit your life to the One who breathed it into you. And you will see that He is good.