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A Morning View From the Porch at Lakeside

I typically am not a big breakfast eater. Every year at Lakeside for Annual Conference there is a group of men who invite me to breakfast at The Patio. Every year I go one time and enjoy talking and joking with this group and every year I order the same breakfast, a plain toasted bagel with cream cheese and a glass of water. It is tradition, you know! I often get asked why I do not order something different? My answer is, "if something is good and satisfies my hunger, why should I order something different? Besides, I like a plain toasted bagel with cream cheese!" 
I wonder why some people have a salvation experience with Jesus Christ but wander away from the most amazing relationship possible with the Creator of all? They seem to have a taste for many different flavors of seeking to fulfill their Spirit hole in their lives. Often people bounce from one religious experience to another without a deep connection and commitment. They order something different from the menu each time to satisfy their hunger for the perfect spiritual connection. 
I know there are many layers to the why, but I am sure of a few to share this morning. First I question the authenticity of commitment in the first place. Emotional connection and spiritual highs are wonderful. But if that is all there is, we continue to seek the next high and not authentic relationship. Secondly, I believe with only the moment of feeling good and nobody to walk with us, we wander off to the next thing. We need a sister or brother in Christ to help encourage, love and hold each one of us accountable. We need a group of friends around a table to joke with and share our hearts with. 
Jesus was an agent of change as he walked with humans as human. He made a difference in their lives and he called them to follow him. When the world encountered Jesus and were authentically changed, the left, followed and wanted more. The 12 left everything to be Disciples. There was something different. They struggled and failed, but held on to their love for the One. Even Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus, was remorseful and left the money in the temple confessing his sin before hanging himself. 
So back to the bagel, if it is good and satisfies the hunger, why would I desire anything different? Jesus is good and satisfies our need and desire to connect with the God of all! Why would I desire anything different? 
Have you authentically encountered the Christ in your soul? Do you have accountability and support in your journey with another on your path moving forward? Stop feeding the soul with the next best menu item and feast on what we know is good! 

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;

    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Fear the Lord, you his holy people,

    for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”  - Psalm 34:8-10

Peace,
PB

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