Why Jesus?

I ate at one of Pappas' chains called "Pappas Meat Co" recently and was greatly satisfied. I had already been going on 6 hours of starvation (1st world problems) when my friend suggested we eat at this restaurant. Having been to all the other Pappas chain restaurants (Pappasitos, Pappadeauxs, and Pappas BarBQ) and greatly approved, I had no choice but to comply. After all, the excellence in their presentation, food and service at other chains only meant this one could't disappoint. And it didn't. When the waiter brought my friend's chicken fried chicken smothered in country gravy atop mashed potatoes, I was overwhelmed. I was already googly eyed over my enlarged pork chop sauteed with mushrooms atop mashed potatoes. My hunger drove me to eat off of both of our plates (and I don't typically ask for other's food, because I don't like to share my food...don't judge me!)

What causes your stomach to growl for meals three (or more- no judgements) times a day? What causes your glands to salivate over the generous portion of pork that the waiter brings to your table? Why is it you feel the need to unbotton your pants when you have fed your face to capacity and you can't even order dessert without feeling like a glutton?

It starts with a void called hunger. A natural feeling spurred by a gland in our brain. It triggers a growling in the pit of our stomachs. This same gland in our brains produces salivation in our mouths and gets us more giddy than a toddler when he sees his mommy coming with a bottle. Finally satiety is the stuffed feeling we achieve when the void has been filled and the gland tells us "that's enough...for now".

An article entitled How your brain signals your body's need for food puts it this way, "How a food smells, what it looks like, and how you remember it tasting excite chemicals within your brain." 

It troubles me that I hear, via social media, so many Christians sound just like the world in their responses to injustice and trending topics. I even catch myself questioning my own motives and intentions from time to time only to find that my own desires mimic those of my neighbors (those who have NOT trusted Christ). Why should people desire to feast on (try) the Lord when we have not stirred up a hunger in them? 

Don't get me wrong, we are not responsible for creating the hunger or void they should have for the Lord, He has already done that. 

Romans 1 talks about how people instinctively know God exists and instead of worshipping Him for who He is, they instead choose to worship what God has made. This presents an inferred statement: people know how to worship, they were created with the longing to do so. God created us to know Him and worship Him. So He created the desire in us for Him. He is the gland in the brain that triggers the stomach for feeding time.

As Believers, its our job to be the waiters and bring Jesus to the table on a platter. He should look like a smothered and sauteed pork chop to those who love meat. To those who love vegetables, He should look like a beatifully arranged medley of beans stewed together in a chili with Spring Pesto garnished with parsley or cilantro. 

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 says "...And God has given us the task of reconciling people to Him...We are Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us." (NIV)

How we present Him is everything to those who are hungry (and they ARE hungry). So when we take a natural vantage point at our approach to financial gain, political unrest, social injustice and personal mistreatment, we don't give unbelievers a reason to ask "Why Jesus?" When we retaliate, treat those who choose their lifestyles as if they're outcasts, or chase after monetary gain, our plate looks repulsive to the hungry. 

I recently did an inventory of my heart because I had been looking at the "things" of others (the cars, houses, positions, relationships) and it was causing me to press God for His hand ("gimme gimme gimme"). Then I read 1 Timothy 6:6 and its surrounding scriptures. I was rebuked because I realized that chasing after financial gain was telling God I did not trust His purpose for my life. He plainly said chasing these things would bring temptations and eventually plunging into darkness. Not having these things, but chasing them. He reminded me that He could bring those desires but I should never forsake loving people, chasing after doing His work and a generous spirit (godliness) in effort to have them. These things coupled with contentment would be a greater gain than financial security in money and things. After all, when I leave this world, I can't take those things with me. This seemingly awkard approach to living should and will spark curiosity in people who are chasing "things" and cause them to wonder, "Why is she so devoted to godliness and integrity, while everyone else is running after riches?"

Why is this important? 

When we love people and treat them with respect, generosity, with no hidden agenda...we create in them curiosity. Why is this person not rejecting me like everyone else? Why is this employer kind when others are cut-throat? Why is this colleague showing interest in me when others are more focused on their productivity? Why is this employee walking in integrity when they could easily steal time and money like others? 

Like the article said, "How we 'smell', what we look like and what people remember of us...will (can) excite them to desire Jesus." But remember, it can also repulse them. Let's be a fragrance and taste that brings people to try Jesus. He will surely grant satiety, for fullness is found in ONLY Him. Our different and often unorthodox approach to living (accrued by reading and living His principles) will stir up this hunger in those in our sphere of influence.