Providing Something To Crave!

Do you like salty and sweet foods? Diet research indicates that when we are really hungry such foods may cause the taste buds to trick us into overindulging because these foods tend to taste even SALTIER AND SWEETER when we are really hungry. Now you may understand why when you get these types of cravings how easy it is to go through a whole bag of candy or chips before you know it. Therein lies a caution regarding diet. However, there may be a plus side with regard to spiritual things.

We live in a world of people who are hungry, but often eating the wrong things. There is a continual search, but no real satisfaction. Since the world is really hungering, perhaps we should recognize the opportunity that is ours to cause them to crave what we have in Christ. Not only are we to be the salt of the earth ( Matthew 5:13), but also sugar (or at least that which is sweet tasting). In the condition this world is in, hopefully what we offer will be sensed as even SALTIER AND SWEETER so that others end up with a continual craving for what is right.

We recognize the flavoring, healing, and preserving powers of salt. However, do we recognize the powerful influence of that which is sweet?

Solomon noted…
“(21) The wise of heart is called discerning, and SWEETNESS OF SPEECH increases persuasiveness. (22) Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. (23) The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. (24) GRACIOUS WORDS ARE LIKE A HONEYCOMB, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” ( Proverbs 16:21-24 ESV)

Some translations refer to the sweetness of speech increasing learning or instruction. The way we come across with the truth of God is important. As we talk about our faith are we mindful of the ways in which we can convey the SWEETNESS of relationships with other believers, the SWEETNESS of God’s promises, the SWEETNESS of the practical knowledge of the Word and other aspects of the Christian life? Solomon also mentioned “gracious words” as being like the SWEET “honeycomb”. Are we constantly mindful of the SWEETNESS of kind words and the power of gracious responses in the midst of hectic life?

All of this can cause those around us to crave what we have in Christ, giving us the opportunity to lead them to Him. May the SALTINESS AND SWEETNESS of Christian character be exhibited in our daily life that others will catch the craving.

Have a great day STIMULATING DESIRE FOR THE GOOD THINGS OF GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Influence