THE BANQUET OF YES

In the mind’s house of thought, the perfect visitor is a nod. What a glorious feeling it is to be covered in the trappings of approval. The texture of acceptance, the shear warmth of having a sense of being in the groove of belonging and the heart can throb with a extra satisfying energy of balance.

Thus is the provoking charge of being, which conjures in the mind the spell of rationalization and the quest to find same too often in life. It can occur at work, at home or just about anywhere we frequent.

In most situations the results are predictable since the formula normally depends on th same social math. If you have learned it properly and use the right kind of calculator of performance the sum of one’s actions will have a total desired.

This is of course the anatomy of custom. That quintessence of dew drops in smiles that refresh in an artificial and contrived manner. It isn’t necessarily predicated on any real truth, but more on the dependency of illusion and perception.

While all of that can be essential as a guidepost to life in many places on the planet it shouldn’t be the driving element in a house of worship. The Word of God and his Holy Spirit ought to be the foundation. With the word “ought” being the one emphasized.

Still it is so easy to allow the defining point between God’s spiritual truths and social custom to become blur. One can easily find spiritual life becoming a banquet where we try to feast in a meeting how dominated by those social yeses. It is a very natural habit, but it doesn’t mean it has God approval, which is far more important.

Yet how often are we drawn most to places that appeal best to our need for feeling accept and approved? It is only natural to desire such a choice.

But what if God leads us to a place to serve his purpose where the garden of social blossoms in acceptance have wilted? Can we still find the strength and willingness to obey if there are more thorns than flowers?

Sometimes it is a question we avoid even asking. This can even occur when God’s spirit is tugging at our hearts and opening our eyes to how a given abode of fellowship isn’t the place he seeks for us.

The great joy comes from acceptance that being obedient to God’s will and receiving his sustenance of yes is far more nutritious to the soul than any temporary snack we might assume is best. That can be even more complicated if the place we are to depart is one where we have feasted so often before.

Just as some foods can be healthier for us than others. So there are spiritual morsels that will at times be more fulfilling than with others. I believe God will adjust our palate in due season if we let the flavor be one we taste by his leading. May the Lord grant us the wisdom to know the difference.