I have a confession to make. It is difficult to admit but true nonetheless. I like quiche. I am addicted to eggs, cheese and that amazing pastry pie crust. Together, they make a mouthwatering combination with a feminine name. About a month ago, my wife Jessie decided to use a quiche recipe she discovered. Considering the booming preschool population at our home, times arise where I must learn to check to the food in the oven for completeness. The litmus test for quiche – is it still wobbly?
Paul, sensing the end of his life, penned a powerful epitaph in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” These inspiring words have launched many sermons and emboldened those facing persecution or death. This verse paints a vivid picture of a man completely devoted to the cause of Jesus Christ now laying down after a long journey running full speed. Yet it is not the finish that makes Paul’s marathon meaningful but every step along the way. At another time, we read these words, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
Accomplishment and success can easily lead to complacency. In our walk with Christ, complacency often results in a comfortable feeling of arrival. Or in quiche terms, we become “set”. I have been in the oven of Christendom more that seventeen years and I find it easy to “set” living a comfortable life with my wife and 2.3 (really 3) children in suburban America. However, the words of Scripture draw me to a place of wobbliness. I must recognize that I am far from complete and will only reach that moment when my fight is complete as well. But for now, I have to keep fighting, keep running, keep the faith real and life-changing. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God gives us the strength, courage and prodding to live wobbly lives. No matter how many years the oven browns us on the surface, may our hearts remain flesh, moldable and movable by an unpredictable and untamable God.
Are you still wobbly?
Life In Christ 
I agree.
Not with the points of this blog, but with the idea of taking something out of left field, like Quiche, and making it about God.
You made solid points which is what disturbs me because if you are going to use something like Quiche, you need to continue to build the analogy until you are asking for money to increase your lifestyle, uh, I mean the kingdom.
For instance. You could have said this:
“Dear saints, our faith is like a quiche. It’s true. A quiche is made by combining many ingredients until something is made that can be used for noble purposes. A quiche satisfies hunger and our needs, and if you give right now to this ministry you will be building the kingdom of God. Send in your checks and cash and help us build God’s quiche…and the gates of Hades will not overcome it dear children”.
Now this is inspiring! I’ll use it on the next Trinity Broadcasting Network telethon!
Josh,
Thanks for addressing the more challenging issues. You stance here is bold for Christ.
I think the real issue behind the lack of confidence in leadership is the lack of a clear answer to the question: What is Truth?
As the Body of Christ, we have a unique opportunity right now to make great strides in fulfilling the Great Commission IF we stop agreeing to disagree about the answer to the aforementioned question and provide those who are placing this question under the microscope with some clear answers. Moreover, we are rapidly exiting the post modern era are “regressing” back to a neo-modern culture. This culture is beginning to believe that absolute truth does in fact exist… and they are truly searching for it (albeit in all the wrong places by and large!!)
As “the church” we need to get on the same page and redirect ALL of our efforts away from “programs” and toward making disciples… real ones… ones with a heart for God and a desire to abide in Christ. This type of Biblical multiplication will bring about a sense of community which we are in danger of losing… if we don’t stop agreeing to disagree.
Lovingly, DB