Filet Mignon, Fried Chicken, and Beans & Rice

• John 6:10-13 (NLT) “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) ¹¹ Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. ¹² After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” ¹³ So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

In my studies this morning a simple but profound thought occurred to me: When Jesus took the little lad’s lunch of five barley loaves and two fish he did not turn them into something other than what they were. 

In other words, Jesus didn’t hand out a menu and ask the people to pick out what they wanted and then change the loaves and fish into anchovy pizza for one group and a cheeseburger and fries for another and perhaps a grilled chicken salad (for the health-conscience).  No, he simply blessed and divided out what had been given him.   

Here’s the point: You and I are the little lad – our best efforts as preachers and teachers will be but a small and extremely inadequate lunch without the touch of Jesus upon us. 

However, in the words of Popeye – “I yam what I yam.”  Or put another way: “We is what we is.” (Pardon the bad grammar). 

What I want you to understand is that you and I do not have to be something or someone that we’re not.  Jesus may have endowed some to be a “filet mignon and French pastry” preacher or teacher and another a “fried chicken and homemade biscuit” preacher or teacher.  Sometimes I’ve wondered if I was more in the line of a “beans and rice” variety; but no matter – whatever we are; whatever we have to offer will be sufficient if we offer it faithfully to Jesus Christ.  Remember, it is His touch and blessing that matters. 

The application is this: Do not put extra pressure on yourself trying to be something or someone you’re not.  For sure, be the best you can be – but that is all that is required.  Have the courage to be yourself; and here’s the good news, Jesus will use your ministry to reproduce abundantly what you’ve given Him. 

Starting this month Sonja and I are beginning our 36^th year of ministry.  I still have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure I’m awake when I stand to minister as the pastor of the great Fort Mill Church of God.  Me – a boy who grew up in a few scattered “Mill Villages” around South Carolina and Sonja – a country gal that lived her entire life in Six Mile before we were married and now – what an abundance!  To God be the glory!   

Jesus is no respecter of persons; what he did with the little lad’s few loaves and fish and what he has done with the little that Sonja and I have–He will also do for you.  Be true to yourself, be faithful in giving what He has given you and trust him with the results.  Only time and eternity will finally review how many basketfuls will be collected.