On Oatmeal

I begin writing this blog as I sit at home eating a bowl of oatmeal. Truth be told, I can’t believe I have been doing this so often. No, not writing this blog (obviously), but eating oatmeal. I remember growing up, I couldn’t stand eating oatmeal. I thought it was disgusting. It’s texture was lifeless, it’s coloring dull, and it had no cool slogan (Theeeyyyyyyy’re Great – NOT). Even the packaging was bland – oatmeal came in a cardboard cylinder, there were no games on the container, no prizes inside, just oats. Yuck. Can I please have some Honey Nut Cheerios?

Lately though, I find myself eating oatmeal regularly. I have found it to be fulfilling and warm. I’ve learned that it has valuable nutrients and is quite good. It’s not hard to make and I’m not nearly as into doing cereal box puzzles anymore as I am interested in the value of a good meal.

God just revealed to me that my growing appreciation for oatmeal is very similar to my experience with Christianity. I was always skeptical of the traditional practices of Christianity, from hymns and drawn-out services, to hierarchies and unified thinking, it just felt “blaaahhh”. I needed a faith that is fun, inspiring, exciting. Because of that, I stayed pretty distant from the traditions as much as possible.

This seminary experience, however, is providing a new lens from which to view our faith. Here, I am learning the significance of the traditions we have today; where they came from, why they’re important, and how they are good. This is giving me a better outlook on what God intended when He commissioned the apostles to write scripture, when He allowed prophets to share stories, and when He ordained men and women to lead the church.

Like oatmeal, traditions have valuable nutrients for growth; they are proven, they are modest, and they just feel good sometimes. As the church today, we are not called to re-create our entire faith tradition, only to enrich it. By learning the tradition’s value, we can better share that with others and strengthen their faith with the tools God has provided for believers for generations. (I Timothy 4:14-16 below)

Now, I still believe God infuses newness into the church today (nothing like some cinnamon to liven your bowl!), but He also uses the ordinary great oats. Like Cheerios, post-modern, individualized thinking of God can have holes in it. Unlike Cheerios, there are far fewer holes in oatmeal. Try revisiting the tradition of your faith and appreciating the value it has had in shaping you and your faith community. Take a good spoonful, consume it’s warmth, and share it with someone else. It has been given to bless you – enjoy!

Lord, thank You for our mothers and fathers in the faith. Thank You that they were faithful to You and passed down practices for us. Remind us that we don’t have to redo our faith to make it relevant, but that it was just as relevant the day Jesus rose from the grave as it is today. You are from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2). Give us the wisdom to remember that and forgive us for times we may have forgotten. We love You and await the day You make Yourself fully known to us. Thank You Lord…

-j.a.g.

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I Timothy 4:14-16 ^{- 14}Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

II Peter 2:1-2 ^{- 1}Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. ²I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Psalm 90:2 - Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.