Pass the Broccoli

In one of his devotions, Max Lucado points out that we have days when we seem to be blessed at every turn. Our plate is full and God keeps bringing more good food. Then there are those days when we must eat our broccoli from a plate filled with less pleasant offerings. How true this is. I immediately went back in my mind to a couple of good food days and a couple of broccoli days. Memories of the good days bring a smile, but I have to admit real growth in my life did not happen on those days.

The focus of a recent meeting I attended turned to the need for regular accountability and evaluation from above and below. The discussion suggested a need for constant evaluation from those we lead and from those who lead us. One person boldly said I really want that kind of evaluation; shouldn’t every Christian want honest and open feedback? I don’t remember the statement getting much of a response. How many of us honestly relish being scrutinized? We do like being complimented and affirmed, but not examined and evaluated.

How many times has the plate life serves up been filled with those unpleasant situations that force deep scrutiny of motives and attitudes. Living becomes much simpler once we learn life’s plate of unpleasant food is so rich in nutrients that only a few bites give enough energy to run through a troop and leap over a wall? Cake is sweet, but cake is insufficient fuel for fighting the good fight and finishing the race. Lord, help us understand how those things unpleasant are allowing us to see ourselves as you see us that we might be strengthened for the journey to which we are called. 

Most Recent Posts by Mike Hartsfield

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