Not long ago, I went to the store to buy some Easter candy for my wife. I love that she enjoys the little things. As I skimmed the aisle for some Christ-centered Cadbury, I was struck by this box of chocolate crosses. Competitively priced for $6.99.
That’s $3.49 per cocoa crucifix. A bargain.
What struck me, in particular, was that the cross was consumable. All the torture was taken out of it. It was perfectly packaged, ready for me to enjoy.
I could enjoy two crosses if I wanted to.
It’s unnerving. If only for the fact that it makes me reflect on what I consume. There are many parts of Christ’s life of which I could partake. And in the right context, they would bring life to me. Often times though, it’s the opposite. I consume Christian *things* for lack of preparation. I have a meal without Jesus at the table, so to speak. Fast-food faith.
I’m provoked by Jesus’ own words about what to eat.
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
John 6:53
No discounts. No bit-sized beatitudes. Only Christ, fully consumed.
Jesus had a divine diet as well. When tempted, he simply said, “Man does not live by bread alone.” He didn’t need to take an easier way out.
Because it wouldn’t be easier. It would be evasive (if only to the Father).
There is an open invitation at His table; to enjoy his presence and power. Christ really will enrich every part of our life. Even simple things. But there are no chocolate crosses in the Christian life.
We take up our cross and follow him – undiscounted and undeserved.
Secured