“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat… For life is more than food…” Luke 12:22-34
How much time do I spend considering what my family and I will eat? A whole lot! The rhythm of daily life seems to fall in step to the schedule of meals. Besides attending church, I am sure to make my weekly grocery run. And I can’t just show up, it takes preparation, lists, meal plans, and consideration of any special diets. Life sure does seem to be a lot about food. After all, what is life without food?
But, what is food without life? Sure it can be a feast for the eyes on tasting menus, or instagram, but what about an hour after the last bite is swallowed? A few hours later, the next day, does it satisfy you long enough? How about the depth? If I were to stuff my frustrations with cheesecake or fries, could I feel any authentic gratification? Perhaps you’re blessed with good enough health to enjoy foods without experiencing any side effects, but sooner or later, food will either not be able to satisfy us as it once did, or it’s effect become toxic to our bodies. But is life really more than food?
Jesus said so, but do I believe it, when we now have Michelin starred dining? Does life end when you’re restricted to a diet for health concerns? While it may not end, it may feel severely less satisfying, so then what?
which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his…life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are your anxious about the rest? (v. 25-26)
My children often ask me, “What are we having for dinner?” Knowing that they’re not really asking to help cook, I quickly get frustrated. But, as I stop to reflect on my own practice of checking out menus beforehand, to see if there will be something that I like, or that I can eat, I see my own pattern, a palpable degree of concern. Certainly, food can be a source of pleasure, but by far, not the only.
And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. (v. 29-30)
I think back to the buffets on a cruise we took last year. I’d go up to grab food for my kids so to navigate through the lines quicker by myself. What was my attitude? Was it to pile up their plates with nothing but raw vegetables? Nor was it to set them up with bowls at the soft serve machine. Rather, being quite selective and intentional, knowing what my children would really enjoy, I chose accordingly while assessing a good balance of nutrients.
Doesn’t our heavenly Father know us infinitely better? He made our bodies. Can’t we trust him to provide quite well for us? What am I to do instead of worrying about food and drink?
Instead seek his kingdom….
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom…provide yourselves … with a treasure … that does not fail… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (v. 32-34)
If you’re like me and wonder what does that mean to seek his kingdom, let’s meet up and chat, and perhaps with something to eat. =)
Simone Lim has been attending GRC with her family since 2009. She serves alongside the Diaconate, and in Oikos.