The truth is that we are all spoilt by the choices we make.
Take the assorted food scandals and panics, for instance.
A few weeks ago, the news emerged that we throw away a huge proportion of decent food, because we have bought too much, or 'sell by dates' have duped us into thinking we might be poisoned.
In more recent days, we discover that our obsession with cheap and convenient food has allowed some suppliers to be "economical with the truth" about what we may be eating.
Has anyone become ill from this practice? No one seems to have been poisoned, but many seem to be enjoying their righteous indignation. As we know, bad news sells papers, and gives the media plenty to make them seem important.
But lurking below the surface, I believe, is our relentless obsession with all things food related. The top selling books are all about food, and many of the most watched TV programmes are on the same subject. Maybe an idea for our Lenten fast could be to avoid all such stuff.
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel, emerging from years of slavery in Egypt, travel through the wilderness, and find their diet limited to daily manna and water from assorted rocks. They grumble and are greedy for something better. They cried out for more and different food, and the Lord hears their grumbles, and send them quails by the thousand. The Psalmist reflects on what happened next. 'In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God’s patience in that dry wasteland.
15 So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it.' (Psalm 106.14-15)
15 So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it.' (Psalm 106.14-15)
They were spoilt for choice, and the Lord gave them what they asked for - and with it the consequences of their own greed. Now that is a lesson for all of us.
St. Paul observes the same situation amongst the culture of the ancient world. 'For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour.' (Philippians 3.18-20)
The choices we make have consequences, and while the Lord loves us, He will not deliver us from our own folly and obsessions.
So let us, with the Lord's help, seek to be Christ-focused and food-obsessed during these days of Lent.
I shall find that a real challenge. But thinking clearly about what influences our behaviour will help us to be able to resist the temptations all around us.
Best wishes,
Richard
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