Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought Him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” – John 4:31-34
A young congregant once asked a classmate where she attended church and the classmate replied, "All-You-Can-Eat Baptist!" Having pastored Baptist churches for two decades, I can affirm that many could have claimed the same title!
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There was a time in my life when I wanted to be a "big Baptist preacher," and for a while, I was, but only physically. Like King David, I came to understand that "my sin was ever before me" and adopted a lifestyle that allowed me to lose the dangerous pounds that were negatively affecting my health and potential for continued ministry. Eating is fun, but as in all things God gave for our enjoyment, it must be done in moderation. Balance is difficult, but necessary.
Jesus knew and modeled perfect balance in His life. His nourishment certainly came from food, and I believe He would have enjoyed a good meal like the rest of us, but His "sustenance" came from an unearthly place. He lived to do the will of His Father. As our Creator, God expects us to find pleasure in the world that He made, but He alone must be our Master.
Therefore, with Christ in mind and heart, let us all reflect on that for which we live, remembering that anything which holds a higher place in our daily existence than Jesus is nothing less than an idol to be destroyed.
What each one honors before all else, what before all things we admire and love, this for us is God. – Origen
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