Enter The Kitchen
My grandmother was known for her delicious meals that she would begin preparing even before any of us opened our eyes. Sometimes when we were staying with her for Christmas, I would wake up early and crawl to the kitchen to sneak a peek. One Christmas morning, she must have heard me on the linoleum floor because she invited me to sit at the table to make biscuits. She showed me how to mix the flour, butter, and milk into dough. There, in the kitchen, working together, we shared special moments together. Grandma Katie saw me and wanted to spend time with me. I may have gotten flour all over the floor that day, but I treasure that special time with her in the kitchen.
In the Church today, it’s easy for Christians to be content living a comfortable life, never going into the kitchen, so to speak, to “make a mess” with God. One of my Bible study leaders says being too comfortable at church is like “staying in the living room.” We do it because it’s safe or perhaps because it’s the only place that looks accessible. If we stay “in the living room,” we can choose what others see and hide our struggles, so we don’t become a burden to them. It’s comfortable. But friends, God doesn’t call us to comfort. God call us into the kitchen, to serve with Him and with others, to make a message out of a mess.
Life flourishes when we move to the kitchen, where relationships deepen and communion occurs. I don’t only mean the Lord’s supper, even though that’s a fundamental part of being the Body of Christ. What I mean by communion is a level of intimacy beneath the surface and pure closeness that is only made accessible through the Holy Spirit.
God restored the intimacy with us that was broken by sin. Romans 5:8 (NIV) says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” When we have a relationship with Jesus, we don’t have to sit quietly and act as though we have it all together. Because let’s face it, we don’t! Nor do we always need to wear the strong advocate’s mask that can be so heavy. We can be honest with one another, share things God has revealed to us through His Word, and love one another as Christ loved us first.
We may have advocated for people with disabilities and asked for family members to be welcomed into the church for years. We’ve seen lives changed as people are loved and encounter Jesus. Since we are a part of the Body, God calls us not to remain comfortable in the living room, but instead, to enter a sacred place of communion where the Holy Spirit dwells.
Like my Grandma Katie, God sees you and He is calling you to the kitchen. He has saved a place for you at His table. So, rejoice, friend, He is with you and He is for you!
Angela is the Founder and Director of Roll Called Ministries and has a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counselina. She is passionate about teaching and serving the Church. Due to having Cerebral Palsy, she navigates through life using her wheelchair and believes God has opened many doors using her disability for His glory