A Well Rounded Diet

John Piper

            Thanks to nutritional research and regular reporting by all forms of media we all know the importance of consuming a balanced diet.  Confining your eating to cookies, candies, cakes, pies and doughnuts may taste and sound good, but it will greatly increase your clothing replacement budget.  It will also, most likely, have some very negative effects on your health.  An all meat diet will take off the pounds and provide protein for muscle development, but vitamins and other necessary nutrients will be lacking and subsequent consequences will occur.  Well, it appears to me that our involvement in the Church of Christ requires a similarly healthy approach.

            In fact, we can look at our Church activities as consuming a healthy meal.  To begin with let’s look at the “appetizer” as our friendly, social activity in the congregation.  Our fellowship with each other is an essential part of the body of Christ as we partake of our tasty feast.  Often it is this friendly fellowship that welcomes us into the community of faith. 

            Next comes the “salad course” which provides necessary vitamins, fibers and nutrients for developing a strong, healthy body.  This course can be likened to our support ministry which includes stewardship of our time, talents and treasures. Support not only includes our own local congregation’s physical needs, but also mission support throughout the world.

            Now we get to the main course which includes the meat and potatoes of the meal.  This mainstay of the meal incorporates Word and Sacrament.  We are strengthened for our activities by feasting on the Word and body of Christ.  Through this meal we are prepared for the responsibilities of our calling.

            Along with the main course are the complementing vegetables; nutrient providing foods that add to the meal and are essential in maintaining healthy growth.  These vegetables are like our ongoing Christian education which continues the strengthening and growth initiated through Word and Sacrament.  Our Christian education includes active participation in Sunday Church School, bible study, regular devotions and prayer.

            Coffee, tea or some other beverage of choice is the service portion of our Church meal.  Service ministry includes caring for our immediate members and reaching out to others in community service.

            What meal would be complete without dessert?  The sweet ending of the meal is just the beginning of our part in furthering the Kingdom of Christ.  We began the meal with friendly, socializing.  At this stage of the meal we engage in evangelizing fellowship as we share the good news (flavor) of the full courses of our life in Christ.  We witness to others by sharing our satisfying experience and invite them to share the meal provided for all.

            Whether we are talking about the foods we eat or our membership in the Church, it is essential to partake of a regular, balanced diet in order for us to achieve desired good health.  Bon appetite!