I like a good meal. Who doesn’t? I also enjoy those cooking shows on TV. Anyone remember “who’s in the kitchen with Dinah (Shore)?” Who is your favorite celebrity chef… Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Gordon Ramsey or Guy Fieri? In his collection of proverbs Solomon warns about how what we eat and drink can be a snare. Eating with rulers can deceive us into accepting what is contrary to God or non-beneficial to our lives. Drinking with heavy drinkers will lead to woe, sorrow and fighting. Jesus gave us God’s perspective when he admonished his disciples that we shouldn’t focus on these things or let them be a competing priority with God’s kingdom and righteousness. In other words, keep food and drink in its rightful place.
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are a person of great appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceptive food. Proverbs 23:1-3 NASB “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” Matthew 6:31-33 NASB
How disciplined am I with food and drink? Is the kingdom of God more important to me than what I eat, drink, or the clothing I wear? Why?
God, as this day begins- I thank you for taste buds, the sense of smell, and a good meal, even a wonderful glass of wine, not to mention an occasional 805. May I always have the creature comforts of this world in proper perspective and proportion to Your kingdom and righteousness. As this work week comes to an end, I need Your help to finish well. Would You impart wisdom from above. Oh I need it. And would You be my advocate, as I advocate for others.
