Food for thought

Currently here on the net when I should really be in bed but hey!

Last night was full of satisfaction / joy of heart and stomach, having been to the Boyd family bake-off where I was privileged to be one of the judges. If computing fails I could always become a crumble critic :) that would suit me down to the ground! One of the highlights was when we examined the apple to crumble ratio of one crumble and decided that there were some inconsistencies to which one of my colleagues responded "well that's food for thought!" LOL (well it was funny at the time anyway).

Continuing with the theme of contemplation, I went to my friend Ayo's 21st birthday event the day before and I was blown away. There was no wild party, no premier gaou or yori yori. Just friends gathered together, a few drinks and a little gospel/filtered secular music. From an outsider perspective it doesn't sound like much to be amazed about... well at least not from my insider perspective of an outsiders perspective. If that makes any sense lol. But what actually blew me away was the speeches. People, male and female, young and older, went up to speak about the impact that "Brother Ayo" has had on their lives. We heard how he's been faithful, loving, real, transparent, prayerful, genuine and how "he will tell you the truth that you need to hear even if it means that you don't talk to him for  a year". 

Whilst being uplifting it was also challenging as I reflected on the fact that I have been saved longer than Ayo and yet he has clearly grown far more than I have and demonstrated practical, effective Christianity in the lives of many. One thing I notice is the clear sense of surrender that he has which is something that has admittedly hindered me on and off throughout the entirety of my walk. My perception of what a young man of God looks like had definitely been altered. I'm challenged, yet encouraged and determined to press into God and see more of the fruits of the spirit and more of His glory revealed in my own life. (If you ever read this bro, you're an inspiration trust!)

You know what? Through the latter half of 2010 I've come to realise that getting out of your usual circle, especially in regards to church, can give you a refreshing view of things and help you to re evaluate yourself and your own walk with God. Why are we so segregated anyway? Don't get it twisted, we should definitely remember where the Lord wants us and remain committed to that church, regardless of situation or personal feeling. But hitting another church's prayer meeting or bible study as well as fellowshiping with different believers has really made a difference in my walk with God this year where I had unwittingly grown complacent and I believe it can for others too. At the same time we must choose wisely though as I have spent time with Christians who have in the long run caused me to go backwards rather than forwards as a Christian. "bad company corrupts good morals" (even if they go to church lol).

Definitely food for thought.