Dinner Date

The beautiful evening brought with it some unexpected lessons.

Recently my wife and I took advantage of a long overdue date night. We were genuinely excited about the prospect of leaving our daughter in good hands and spending some quality time together.

Having recently learned of a fabulous restaurant we had not yet sampled, we anticipated delicious food and great conversations. We were not to be disappointed. The atmosphere was rich with exposed brick, a fireplace, dark hardwood molding, fresh flowers and stained glass. The food was amazingly prepared and beautifully presented. The ambience was exactly what we were hoping for when we had made reservations. In a word, it was excellent!

In similar fashion, as followers of Christ, we are to represent a standard of excellence in a world gone mad. Jesus instructs, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our behavior should exemplify the guidance and instructions found in the Word of God.

An unexpected clash

As we conversed over our appetizer, we noticed something out of place. The choice of background music clashed with the otherwise impeccable setting. “These Boots Are Made for Walking” seemed to screech against the backdrop of fine food and beautiful decor. The stark disparity was good for several laughs. Throughout dinner the musical selections included a variety of songs that contrasted sharply against the more elegant nature of the table.

This type of clash can occur in our spiritual lives as well. As we approach the Passover (and throughout the year), we Christians spend time examining our lives against the backdrop of God’s Word and the perfect example of godly living—Jesus Christ. We spend time in prayer and meditation seeking God’s guidance, direction and, where needed, even correction.

This examination process should reveal areas of progress where we have developed righteous character. However, much like the background music at the restaurant, an honest self-appraisal will likely identify some areas in our thinking or behavior that are incongruent when squared against the framework of God’s Word.

Is the background music in our lives—the daily routine, our ability to react appropriately in stressful situations, how we treat our siblings and coworkers—in harmony with the guiding principles found in the Bible? These are tough questions, but we must consider them.

Just desserts

During our dinner date, the unusual music selections provided a comical distraction. We couldn’t turn it off so, we decided to laugh about it instead. It didn’t impact the fun and certainly added to the memorable evening.

Our relationship with God and how we choose to live our lives is much more serious. We do have control over the hundreds of daily choices that determine the direction of our progress. Those choices ultimately lead toward eternal life in the Kingdom of God or toward our own destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). It is fitting that we as Christians take care to choose wisely.

As we take stock and reflect on areas that may need improvement, consider the encouragement found in Philippians 3:12-14: “But I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. … One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

As we press forward, let’s turn off anything that may distract us from seeking our ultimate goal.

Jason Hyde attends the Louisville, Kentucky, congregation with his wife, Emily, and daughter, Ava.