Dinner is in the oven

I have used an analogy for devotional life for Pastors that I'm going to share tonight. I don't think it will just apply to Pastors but you all will have to let me know. When I speak of devotions, I mean prayer and Bible study aimed at personal growth and community with God.

I have found this true about myself. I don't cook things that take longer than 11 minutes, unless I am cooking for other people. I have no problem spending half an hour preparing cashew chicken for a group of people, but won't even put pizza rolls in the oven if I am by myself. It's an interesting thing really. When other people come over and I am hosting, I expect more of myself, and show myself to be worthy and knowledgeable in ways I do not take advantage of when I am cooking for just me. What strikes me as odd, is how often people do this with their spiritual lives.

There are many people, who when leading a Bible study, or preparing a teaching or sermon, spend great amounts of time researching, studying, and forming a Biblically rooted stance on a topic. If none of these situations apply, maybe you are a parent and have a child that is struggling with something. If not, maybe a friend. You might have a friend that is alcoholic. You have studied in depth what scripture says about alcohol, not for just your own benefit, but because you hope to help your friend/child/class/group/congregation. This isn't uncommon and doesn't bother me.

What does bother me, is how many people only spend significant time in prayer and study for these reasons. Do you dwell in God for just you ever? Not in a selfish, I'm trying to get what I want kind of way, but in a needed, alone time with God kind of way. Do you research relentlessly to prepare a message so that spirituality sounds eloquent coming out of your mouth when you debate or teach, but spend three minutes wrapping up your personal time with God as quick as you can when not preparing? Do you find yourself praying often about how God can use you, but seldom about how you can grow?

Is there spiritual nourishment in your life for you, or do you only pretend to provide nourishment when others are involved?

I strive to be nourishing my soul regardless of my circumstances. Preparing teachings is a way that my soul is greatly nourished, but in two weeks, I won't be doing that for a living anymore. I hope I can continue the daily practices of nourishment I have built into my life while I am not preparing teachings. God has plenty of things He wants to say to me, and to you. Let's take the time to listen.

Be nourished by your Father. Even if no one else will notice.