Living in an instant world
Many of us were blessed to grow up when biscuits were made from scratch, and if they contained lard, were especially tasty. The grits some of us ate were stone ground, yellow corn grits that when slowly cooked, and flavored with butter and cheese, made them a hearty staple to a southern, breakfast meal. Bacon, sausage and country ham were cooked in a skillet along with fresh eggs, making a meal large enough to last until lunch. If your mother or grandmother knew how, the addition of milk gravy, using the grease from the meat, was perfection.
Today, many homes rely on much faster ways to prepare the same meal.
Biscuits are bought frozen or canned- what some used to call “whop biscuits” because you whop them on the edge of the counter to open. The grits are often instant grits, that need hot water and a minute after stirring to be ready. You can microwave bacon or sausage or just put it in the oven as stores sell it already cooked, and it just needs to be warmed to eat. Sausage and ham can also be made ready in a minute. Gravy can be made from packets or warmed from cans. Of course, there is always fast-food places serving breakfast, which many people use over making breakfast at home anyway.
It is not just food that is instant in today’s world. We have instant communication with social media platforms, cell phones and apps. We have instant entertainment with live streaming services, instant take-out food with home delivery services, online shopping, instant banking transactions online, along with news, weather and other information. Many homes have devices to give information or even control their devices in the home all with a verbal command.
Because we live in an instant world, many folks believe there is a fast way to spiritual maturity. What took many of us a lifetime to learn in terms of experience, study and wisdom, others believe they should be able to get there through a few weeks of study courses and classes. The journey of faith cannot be made instant like so many other aspects of our lives. It requires a life-long pursuit of God, and the study of God’s Word that is slowly simmered so that all its wonderful truths are released into every part of our being and translates into a life of obedience and service to Him. Ponder on that as you drink your K-cup coffee!
