Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
I once knew a guy who was one of the fastest eaters I have ever seen. If we were having a meal at church, he would get low and close to his plate and begin to shovel the food in. It was amazing. I know at my house when I was growing up, we had to learn to eat fast too. With so many mouths to feed sometimes there was just enough to go around. You know, five people, six biscuits. Five people, seven pieces of chicken. So, the bottom line was, if you wanted seconds, you better be the first one finished.
I heard a story once about a family just like mine and they too were having chicken. Well, there were five people and six pieces of chicken, and everyone got their piece. A few minutes after they started eating, the lights went out and when they came back there was a hand on the last piece of chicken with five forks stuck in it! Sometimes it just pays to be fast—but not always.
I don’t know why it is but when I am reading the Bible during my morning Jesus time, I tend to speed and skip through the text. It seems to mostly occur when I know the text well. If it is John 3:16 I sometimes get the “For God so loved” and the next thing I know I’m reading, “everlasting life” and I totally miss all the good stuff in the middle. Strange.
It also happens with verses that have a list. Verses like Galatians 5:22-23 that list the nine fruit of the Spirit suddenly become a list of two or three. I might get love and joy but rarely make it the last one which is self-control. Oh, and guess what? One of the things that I seem to always be lacking on is—self-control. No surprise there. The other verse that I can’t seem to get in my head is Philippians 4:8. Paul, the guy who wrote a big chuck of the New Testament, gives us a list of things to think on—like, “whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable.” Now that’s a great list—if you take the time to read it.
Let me suggest that we learn to slow down—whether it be at the table and especially when it comes to the Word of God. We can’t learn it and apply it if we don’t take the time to fully read it. So, rather than worrying about who gets the last piece of chicken or the last biscuit—just enjoy the one you have. When it comes to reading the Word, go ahead and hit the brakes. If you need some lessons on braking, just ask the One who knows all about—our Heavenly Father. Remember, He gave us the Sabbath to slow us down, so you know—He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 