Oops...I Did It Again!

From the title of today's entry, you're probably thinking that I'm going to be writing about my favorite Britney Spears song! Well, though I've entertained the thought, I won't be writing about Britney today (I know how disappointed some of you must be).

Yesterday, I went on a bit of a rant against Burger King...the home of all that is evil in the dietary world. I wrote about how their new "enormous" breakfast sandwich is going to help many fast food connoisseurs get one step closer to totally artery blockage. Well, this morning, I was a bit convicted for having written that. Why? Well, I'm glad you asked...Really, there are two reasons.

Reason One- Upon realizing my need to get into the office earlier than usual, I decided to stop off at the gas station and pick up something quick for breakfast. As I walked in, there was a beautiful display of Concannon's donuts that I had to walk past in order to get to the coffee. Well, they have all kinds of granola, nutri-grain, and other health bars I could have purchased. But, man, those donuts just looked SO good. Well, needless to say, I couldn't resist the donuts and grabbed my favorite creme-filled long john...oh yeah, it was everything I thought it could be and more. But, as I sit here typing this out, my stomach is making all kinds of bizarre noises...not the typical noise of digestion...but strange too-much-sugar-this-early noises. Point of conviction...Is the donut any better than the "enormous" breakfast sandwich. Sure, I could do some research and find out how many calories are in each and all that garbage. But, as I sit here growing more uncomfortable with every passing second, I would find it difficult to justify my donut consumption as somehow superior to those that succumb to the temptation of the "enormous" breakfast sandwich. So, my conclusion, even though I have this huge thing against Burger King (well, I don't have it out for them as much as I do Starbuck's...but that a whole entry to come on its own time), I still consume a lot of bad stuff...So, it's a bit ridiculous for me to stand against Burger King while I eat tons and tons of Easter candy (those darn Cadbury eggs are so stinkin' good...they have a strange power over me), and all kinds of other foods that I know weren't designed for consumption when our Heavenly Father created this great earth.

Reason Two- As I was doing my morning devotions, I read Colossians 2. There were some verses that really stood out to me and my bashing of Burger King. "So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new-moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules were only shadows of the real thing, Christ himself. Don't let anyone condemn you by insisting on self-denial...You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as 'Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch.' Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires" (Colossians 2:16-18, 20-23). The Jewish people have certain laws they follow...most given through the Old Testament (though a few have been given by man throughout the years). Some of these rules have to do with one's diet and the holidays and festivals that are celebrated. To be a Jew is to follow the Law. But, here, Paul is reminding us that we have been set free from the Law and should not worry about being judged by others based on what we eat and how we celebrate and worship. Our worship, traditions, celebrations, and yes...even what we eat...can bring us close to God, but we should never sit in the seat of judgment towards other Christians that worship differently than us. The main thing...the most important thing is that we worship Christ. Our worship is every minute, every action, and every thought of every day. Though I do believe that what one eats and drinks can have an effect on their worship, it's not the same for everyone. I have a problem with Whoppers, "enormous" breakfast sandwiches, and Cadbury easter eggs, but some of you may not. A hot issue is the consumption of alcohol. It can definitely harm people and interfere with ones worship if not used properly. However, those who can consume it in appropriate manners and not over-consume, well, I don't really see a problem with that. See, it's not in what we eat or what we drink...it's about our faith and where our heart is...If eating a Whopper gets in the way of your faith (or whatever else may stand in the way), stay away from it like the plague.

So, for those of you that can handle the Whopper, I apologize for my rampage. And, I apologize for my hypocritical actions in calling out those that will consume an "enormous" breakfast sandwich while I eat "enormous" donuts. Have a great day!