Rishana and I had a wonderful time Monday night watching our beloved Yankees whip the Mariners once again. This is our yearly tradition and we always have a blast, eating junk food, and cheering till we’re hoarse!
This year, in addition to garlic fries and ice cream, I had an Impossible Burger for the first time. It was surprisingly good! I could definitely eat them more often. I’m a dedicated vegetarian, but if the Impossible Burger tastes anything like a real burger I can see why all you carnivores enjoy them so!
I find it ironic that Burger King, whose commercials used to ask “Where’s the beef?”, is now promoting a beefless burger. Don’t get me wrong, I think vegetarianism is the healthiest diet for our earth and its inhabitants, but I also find it interesting we humans so easily accept substitutes for the real thing in so many areas of life.
For example, instead of getting out in nature, we watch it on TV. Instead of really living life we live vicariously through our movie stars or sports heroes. Instead of enjoying real emotions we block our senses with drugs and alcohol. Even when it comes to spiritual things many reject the real Word of God and instead “they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.” (Mark 7:7 NLT).
We have reached a point in earth’s history “when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Tim 4:3).
In contrast, Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
Eating an occasional Impossible Burger is probably not going to hurt your health too much and it may be better for you than eating the real thing. However, in regards to your spiritual needs remember the Bible is “the eternal, living word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23). It’s the real thing!
No matter how eloquent the preacher or how pleasing the message, remember to “Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.” (Isaiah 8:20).
This week, go ahead and enjoy an Impossible Burger (or even a real one, if you must), but, when it comes to your spiritual nourishment, accept no substitutes! God’s Word is the real thing! Enjoy it today!