I just put a pear pie in the oven, one with a cheddar streusel crust. I also flavored it with ginger, which seems to have a natural affinity for pears. If it had been an apple pie, I would have used cinnamon while a cherry pie would have called for almond flavoring. Some flavors just go well together. Chocolate and caramel, chocolate and mint, tomatoes and basil, onions and peppers. A chicken salad does well with tarragon while tuna salad needs dill. They are natural pairings and any cook of even small experience will soon pick up on them.
I think as Christians we should have a natural affinity for certain things too. I would never be comfortable in a bar. I am even a little uncomfortable when a neighbor invites us over for a gathering when I know they will serve alcohol. I am uncomfortable around people whose language is inappropriate. I am uncomfortable around people whose dress is less than modest. It is not that I think myself better than the people who do these things. Would those same people be comfortable in a gathering of Christians who, after enjoying a potluck meal together, gathered up some hymnals and began to sing? Of course they wouldn't, but does that mean they would think themselves better than those people? Then why should that same accusation be made of Christians?
Romans 8 tells us that we should have a spiritual mindset rather than a carnal one (8:5-8—bear in mind that the capital S there was put in by the translators and could just as well be a lower case s). If a person's mind is set on spiritual things, he will have a natural affinity for spiritual things. And, of course, the opposite is true as well. The mindset we choose is up to us. Repentance can change that mindset, but, just like a new cook needs time to learn flavor combinations that work well, it will probably take a while to reap the benefits of the new natural pairings of a spiritual mind. Gradually, it should become easier until it reaches the point that it seems natural.
Ask yourself today what things you are uncomfortable with. Is there anything at all? A Christian with a carnal mindset is an oxymoron. You might as well slather a beautiful red velvet cake with garlic frosting.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:1-3).
Dene Ward
I think as Christians we should have a natural affinity for certain things too. I would never be comfortable in a bar. I am even a little uncomfortable when a neighbor invites us over for a gathering when I know they will serve alcohol. I am uncomfortable around people whose language is inappropriate. I am uncomfortable around people whose dress is less than modest. It is not that I think myself better than the people who do these things. Would those same people be comfortable in a gathering of Christians who, after enjoying a potluck meal together, gathered up some hymnals and began to sing? Of course they wouldn't, but does that mean they would think themselves better than those people? Then why should that same accusation be made of Christians?
Romans 8 tells us that we should have a spiritual mindset rather than a carnal one (8:5-8—bear in mind that the capital S there was put in by the translators and could just as well be a lower case s). If a person's mind is set on spiritual things, he will have a natural affinity for spiritual things. And, of course, the opposite is true as well. The mindset we choose is up to us. Repentance can change that mindset, but, just like a new cook needs time to learn flavor combinations that work well, it will probably take a while to reap the benefits of the new natural pairings of a spiritual mind. Gradually, it should become easier until it reaches the point that it seems natural.
Ask yourself today what things you are uncomfortable with. Is there anything at all? A Christian with a carnal mindset is an oxymoron. You might as well slather a beautiful red velvet cake with garlic frosting.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:1-3).
Dene Ward
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