From over 30 years’ experience, I’ve noticed we can learn many lessons in the kitchen if we’ll pay attention.
For instance, have you thought much about plastic wrap?
Alone, its flimsy floppiness appears virtually useless. And left to its own devices, it mostly sticks to itself. Or, as if it had a mind of its own, it latches onto random items on the counter, or your watch. But in the right setting it proves its value. This magical film shines best when stretched across a strong ceramic or glass container and tucked around the rim.
People are like plastic wrap. God created us with the ability to cling. We function best when we’re clinging to God. Stuck to ourselves, we serve little purpose.
Unfortunately, we often try to find significance by attaching ourselves to the wrong things, whether material goods or other people.
In our kitchen analogy this looks like trying to cover the top of a styrofoam cup with plastic wrap. You can’t really stretch it tight because the styrofoam flexes and gives way, not allowing the film to get a firm grip. When we try clinging to cars, houses, clothes, or jewelry—which appear stable for a time—we discover these all wear out, break down, or need replacing eventually. Even money cannot buy inner peace or joy.
Similarly, people will eventually disappoint us. Distinctly individual, they have their unique perspectives, different opinions, needs, and values that too often clash with ours. Like that styrofoam cup, no individual has the stability or stamina to hold us up and keep us strong 24/7. Not even those nearest and dearest to us.
Jesus explained in Luke 14:26 that unless we cling to Him more than our father and mother, spouse and children, and brothers and sisters, we cannot truly learn from Him or discover our real purpose. He knew all too well the fickle tendencies of humans and their ability to disappoint. In contrast, God promised to never leave us, never forsake us, to be with us always. (Hebrews 13:6, and Matthew 28:20.)
While strong relationships are important and enhance our lives, ultimately they cannot support us emotionally, mentally, or spiritually the way we need support. Only God can bring out the best in us and provide the peace, love, and joy we desire. God created us to cling to HIM! Firmly attached to Him, we find value and meaning.
In my paraphrased version of John 15 verses 4 and 9, Jesus tells us, “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in (clings to) the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in (cling to) Me . . . Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in (cling to) My love.”
God’s perfect, unending, sacrificial love alone provides the foundation we need for inner strength, support, and stability. No person or thing compares with His love for us. As we let go of the flimsy crutches and false supports and grasp firmly onto God, we’ll discover our value and purpose in Him.
