Be the best in this work of grace in the same way that you are the best in everything, such as faith, speech, knowledge, total commitment, and the love we inspired in you.

2 Corinthians 8:7

There is a principle involved in elevated cuisine that I believe can inform other aspects of our lives. It is something I originally thought about back when Rebekah and I first remodeled a kitchen. We said, “Lovely. Now what this space needs is better food!

In response I got serious about studying some recipes and techniques for specific dishes. But I soon discovered that what I learned lifted my skills in general, even when I wasn’t trying something gourmet.

Tuesday night’s dinner reminded me of that.

Rebekah and I had friends over on Sunday, so I made something fancy that required a recipe and some real concentration. Fast forward a couple of days and I remember I have a little of the sauce remaining. It is not enough to cook with but I am able to take what I had learned in the preparation and apply it to what I have at hand. So I build a new sauce around what is left over, and it may have turned out to be even better.

I then poach a salmon fillet in the sauce, throw in a few shrimp, and add fresh spinach as well as a little lemon juice at the last moment for what turns out to be a remarkable dish.

So what?

Okay. Here’s my point. We do not have to try to elevate every element of our lives in one fell swoop. But, is Rebekah going to get better scrambled eggs at breakfast because I served fine cuisine the other evening at dinner? The answer is probably yes.

Likewise, if I make a determined commitment to let my faith guide me in, say, my most important relationships, I then have the basis for applying what I am learning in other areas too.

The fact that I am more intentional about my commitment to following Jesus elevates the entire experience of my life: my marriage, my friendships, my finances, my civic life, my recreation.

Maybe think of worship and Bible-study and other church activities as the recipe book. Then just keep on with the learning. Because Jesus won’t stop there.

One day your scramble eggs will thank you for it – DEREK