The parking lot is full…

I circle the lot several times to find a spot…

Finally I pull into an empty space and sit watching as never-ending lines of people walk toward one of two very popular businesses…

Why are the businesses so successful?

I notice their signs…

One advertises “All You Can Eat!”

The other advertises exercise programs for “The Perfect Body”.

A buffet and a health club next door to each other?

Can I start the night at the buffet and end at the health club?

Can I eat everything I want and still have the body of an action star?

Perfect!

I do not want to choose!

I want it all!

I want to eat all I can hold…

I want the roast beef and the mashed potatoes and the fried chicken and the ham and the scalloped potatoes and the pecan pie and the chocolate cake and the soft serve ice cream!

I want it all!

But I don’t want anybody to know I want the buffet…

I want everybody to think I spend hours at the health club!

I’m the same way with the world and its buffet of attractions…

I want everything the world has to offer!

But I don’t want other people to know…

I don’t even want God to know…

But how can I hide my desires from Him?

He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts.”  Luke 16:15

He tells me just what I should do, if only I will listen and follow His wisdom…

“…seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” Mathew 6:33

Maybe He’s saying…

“Start at the spiritual health club…”

“Take all the nourishment you need…”

“Then you will be able to walk away from the world’s buffet of temptations.”