The Basic Ingredients

 

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve…” *

 

My husband, Al, has always chipped in with the cooking. He especially enjoys baking muffins, making soup and large salads with a variety of ingredients. Usually, he fixes breakfast or brunch and I’ll take care of dinner.

He has followed a plan of eating healthy foods for several years and over time has developed a couple of special recipes which we enjoy very much: “Hearty Lentil/Barley Soup” and “Al’s Famous Oatmeal Muffins.” His lentil, barley and bean soup is wonderful, especially on chilly days.

Al’s muffins are tasty, good anytime. The basic ingredients used are: quick cooking whole grain oats, flour, unsweetened applesauce (instead of oil), liquid egg substitute, stevia leaf herbal extract (rather than sugar), baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices. Raisins and walnuts are optional but yummy! Unsweetened applesauce and stevia help keep the calorie count or point value to a minimum.

Recently a weight loss coach helped him share those recipes with an online group. She created a very professional looking post with Al’s picture, and photos of the soup and muffins. It was a nice way to exchange favorite recipes with others pursuing a common goal.

When our two youngest grandsons came to spend a Sunday afternoon with us, Al and I planned on having “breakfast” for dinner. We figured French toast, bacon and eggs would probably satisfy the appetite of two growing boys. The younger of the two had another idea, however.

 “How about if I make waffles?” Elliot asked, assuring us that he had done it many times for his family. In fact, he didn’t think he even needed a recipe! Al and I talked it over and decided that waffles would be okay.

 Al offered to help Elliot, who still had to be convinced that it would be a good idea to use the recipe book. Even though he said he knew all of the ingredients, remembering the exact quantities was important too. He discovered that our

 book didn’t include sugar like the one he was used to. But he was willing to omit the sugar.

Then, there was the problem of not having enough oil. Al suggested using what was in the container and making up the difference with applesauce—a tried and true substitution. Now that was a new one for Elliot; but again, he was flexible and willing to try.

The smell of the waffles cooking was tantalizing, especially since we were hungry after walking two miles on an organized walk to combat world-wide hunger! Nate, Elliot’s older brother, thought that the waffles were going to taste weird with the changes that were made; but when we went to the table to eat, decided that they were good…and ate until he was full.

 Elliot and Al did a good job. We had plenty to eat and leftovers for the freezer.  Our dog even got a section of waffle, gobbling it down. He didn’t care about the oil and sugar!

Just as the basic ingredients are necessary in maintaining the taste and quality of the dish being prepared, with the exception of a few tested substitutions, so we as Christians need to maintain the basics of our faith in order to keep its integrity.

Most of us have learned a creed or a statement of faith in our childhood which expresses the essentials that have been passed along through the centuries. These essentials include 1) the belief in the Trinity—God the Father; Jesus Christ, His Son; and the Holy Spirit 2) Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified on a cross and raised from the dead on the third day 3) the forgiveness of sins 4) salvation through faith in Jesus and 5) the gift of eternal life.

Forming the foundation of our Christian faith, they have withstood the test of time and changes in society. As we Christians grapple with moral and ethical decisions, may we always hold on to the basics.

 May all of our decisions be motivated by the desire to please our holy and loving God and our actions be motivated by love— love which is uncondemning and sincere, accepting and sacrificial. Help us Lord!

*1 Corinthians 15:3-5 NIV