Why We Need Both Broccoli and Chocolate Cake
By: Laura Bailey
“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” - Titus 5:9 NIV.
Recently I shared my frustration at the lack of participation in our last Bible study with a close friend who is also in ministry. My annoyance was exacerbated when I overheard someone express that we didn’t need another Bible study but more fellowship events. I’ve been in ministry for years, from rocking babies to planning conferences and leading women’s teams. Hence, a critical comment or general opposition to faith's less-than-glamorous aspects wasn't new to me. Still, the words rubbed hard against my flesh. My first reaction was less than gracious, and my venting turned into a verbal onslaught of pent-up frustration.
Thankfully, my sweet sister in Christ let me vent, but she also shared some wisdom that has changed how I view ministry, specifically my role within the body of believers. She shared with me that sometimes we have to give people the chocolate cake first, so once their want has been satisfied, we can give them what they need, the broccoli. She meant that, especially for spiritually immature people, we must offer grace and an abundance of patience while they embrace and welcome growing spiritual pains. I confessed that it wasn’t just the comment that upset me but that I felt that my role in the church was less liked and ultimately had less impact than others because I wasn’t in charge of the “fun,” “well-attended,” events. But that is not true; my proclivity towards encouraging my brothers and sisters to dive deeper into the scriptures is by God's good design.
In his letter to Titus, Paul began with a list of qualifications for church elders. While I am not a church elder, those serving, especially in teaching roles in the local church, can glean much from Paul’s admonishments. Titus 1:9 tells us those who are overseers and teachers should first and foremost hold firm to the word of truth in the Scriptures. Paul often instructs teachers of God’s word to be faithful in their commitment to teaching the Truth found in the Scriptures, even when hard to digest or reconcile.
Why is it important? Because to teach the Truth, one has to have a firm understanding of spiritual matters. Also, during this time (and today), false teachers were rampant in and outside church walls. So, it was important for elders to know the Scriptures to refute false doctrine and promote the proper (or some translations say healthy) teachings. Standing firm in your faith against opposition requires good defense and offense (1 Peter 3:15), which translates to hours, days, and years of Bible study. Truths like these are necessary parts of spiritual growth. I am not arguing against church fellowship; I love an excellent potluck, wreath-making event, or a group of ladies getting together. But we must remember the purpose of the church. As C.S. Lewis reminds us,
“In the same way, the Church exists for nothing but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs.”
The Church doesn’t exist to be a country club, providing numerous social events, endless entertainment, or free childcare. The church’s job is to make disciples of Christ, which is done first by teaching the message of salvation and second by growing more like Christ, sanctification. By all means, draw people in the doors by whatever means necessary, and entice them with the “chocolate cake.” But don’t let them leave without giving them what they need, the Gospel (the broccoli). The world is filled with shiny distractions, and our enemy wants nothing more than to spread the idea that church, Bible study, and being a Christian are boring, uneventful, and a waste of time. Many churches have shied away from biblical truths because they are offensive and have turned to watering down the Gospel message.
Might I encourage you today if you are teaching the Bible in any capacity- from children’s church to seminary, souls are at stake, people may not always listen to the Truth, but their eternal soul needs to hear the Gospel. Don’t be disheartened when your words don’t always have the impact you desire, we can’t always see the ways the Lord uses us, but we know He is always working. Keep offering opportunities for people to dig deeper into their Bibles, even if only one person shows up to study the Scriptures; that one person is significant because they have eternal value, making your effort worthwhile. Continue to provide opportunities for Christian fellowship but prioritize teaching the Truth; serving the chocolate cake and broccoli is both needed and wanted!
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us what we need, even when it’s not what we want. Please open our hearts and minds to receiving your Truth, to submitting ourselves to spiritual growing pains so that we can develop more like you in everything we say and do. We love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/AndreyPopov
Looking for authentic conversations about how to deal with body image, insecurity, and comparison issues as a Christian woman? The Compared to Who? Podcast is the show for you! Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like dieting, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, body dysmorphia, and more from a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered perspective.
Originally published Monday, 31 July 2023.
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