This morning I read that more than 12,000 pounds of bacon had been recalled. Thankfully, none of it was sold here in Indiana. For bacon lovers, that almost sounds like tragic news.
It also started me thinking.
Have you ever noticed that candy never seems to be recalled? Neither, as far as I know, are potato chips. Lettuce gets recalled quite often. Eggs and peanut butter sometimes make the list. But somehow, candy bars, potato chips, and pizza seem to escape the headlines.
I realize there are probably scientific reasons for this, although I don’t care much what they are. This isn’t a meditation on food safety.
It’s just one of those morning ponderings where the first thing I read grabbed my attention, and I can’t get it out of my head. Mostly, I like bacon!
It does strike me that the foods most likely to be recalled are often the ones that are freshest, most perishable, and closest to the way God created them. They nourish us, but because they “live” in the real world, they’re vulnerable to contamination. Processed foods may not be healthy, but they’re hearty. A wrapped Twinkie probably has a shelf life of 1,000 years (don’t quote me on that).
However – and now we get to the Ponderings part – spiritually, the same truth exists when it comes to our lives as with our fresh meat and produce.
We were never promised a “contamination-free” world. Jesus said we would face trouble. Hearts are tainted by bitterness, pride, greed, resentment, fear, or temptation. Left unchecked, those things spread quietly until they affect everything else.
The answer isn’t to avoid living. It’s to pay attention whenever the Holy Spirit issues a “recall.”
Have you ever sensed that gentle nudge saying, You need to deal with that attitude. Or, you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness. Or, you need to let go of that resentment or anger.
The Holy Spirit’s words of “recall” aren’t words of condemnation. They’re invitations to healthy living.
When a food is recalled, it’s to keep people from getting sick. When God convicts us, he’s trying to make us whole.
Maybe that’s why David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart … If there is any offensive way in me, lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24). The safest place for us isn’t pretending we’re perfect; it’s remaining open to the Spirit’s inspection and restoration.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m still grateful my bacon wasn’t on the recall list. And if candy and potato chips ever make the news … well, I may have to find something else to ponder.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the little things that make me smile … and even for random news stories that get me thinking. Search my heart. If there’s anything in me that needs attention, don’t let me ignore it. Cleanse me, renew me, and help me become more like Jesus. Thank you for your daily bread that gives me life … and, on occasion, for a side of bacon. Amen.
