Appetites

Appetites
 
Have you ever tasted the sweet southern delicacy of possum stew? Or maybe your taste is more towards Canada’s famous style of fries, poutine, where they smother the fries with cheese curds and gravy? How about a serving of the Scottish meal, haggis; a mixture of sheep organs, oatmeal, spices all tucked nicely into an ox intestine for cooking?
None of these dishes make my mouth water, but if you are a native to these regions of the world, they may appeal to you. When I was growing up, seeing my dad return from a successful elk hunt was a celebratory event. We all partook in eating floured and fried elk heart, something I still enjoy. It is easy to see that our appetites are affected by what we have trained our tongue to like. If Cheetos is our go-to snack, that's what we crave when our tummy rumbles. But if we've trained our tongue to enjoy fresh sweet apples instead, that is what we will grab for.
Our soul and Spirit are no different. Whatever we've exposed ourselves to is what we will crave. If we spend copious amounts of time doom-scrolling on our phone, then when we need a break from daily struggles, we will likely escape into the screen. Or perhaps a chilled glass of wine is what you've trained your soul to seek out. Maybe your struggle is with nicotine. It doesn't really matter what the acquired taste we have developed, unless it's the sweet savor of the Lord or time spent in his Word, our taste buds need a refinement--a regeneration.
There was a time when I really struggled to open the Bible on a regular basis. I didn't understand a lot of it, and so I would become frustrated and lay it down. Of course, when I laid the Bible down, I would pick up the remote or some other thing to attempt to satisfy my craving. It took me a long time before I was able to change my appetite. I told myself that I would read at least one chapter a day. It didn't always sink in, I didn't always receive a startling revelation, but kept at it. After a while, I began to crave my time spent in the Word and in prayer. I discovered that the days I neglected this very vital bread and water, events erupted in chaos and frustration.
I also found that those corrupt things of the world I had been partaking in, no longer seemed as appealing. Of course, the enemy still tries to dangle carrots and I have to stay on guard not to be caught in a snare. Someone once told me if I avoid the places where the enemy has hung snares before, I stand a better chance of not getting trapped. When I began to consciously retrain my spiritual appetite and move away from some of the places I frequented (physically or just in my mind) I found it so much easier to desire Him and His holiness.
Pastor George spoke today about catching the critters on his property in a live trap. He has caught the same skunk and raccoon over and over because those critters keep traveling the same path. Their appetites for the bait remains the same, too. But the red fox he caught once never returned. That fox knew better than to travel the same path that got him snared in the first place. The little red fox knew better than to be tempted by the bait again. According to Pastor, he must have told all of his family and friends too!
We need to learn the same. Too often we are satisfied with the rotten, putrefied food the enemy offers. It may give us a momentary thrill or dopamine burst, but in the end, it only delivers bondage and death. Meanwhile, the Lord has invited us to the King’s table to taste and be nourished by His perfect and holy food! This food brings power, healing, joy and life! It is delicious to the tongue and the spirit!
Once we begin to retrain our brain and our appetites, it's so important not to reminisce or romanticize your old ways, your old man. Too often, we want to mentally revisit a time in our life when we were fully entrenched in the world. This doesn’t honor God, nor does it give strength to our regenerated man. Turn completely from those old ways, old appetites, old lusts. You will be amazed at the goodness of God.

And they that are Christ’s
Have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts
Galatians 5:24
 
 
Submitted by Sharlon Worley