Appearance, Fragrance, Taste

I was watching what is perhaps my favorite segment on the local FOX 13 channel the other day, a daily broadcast called, “Charley’s World.” During the course of this recurring segment, Charley Belcher visits various and sundry entertainment venues and places of interest, and interviews a representative of said venue or interesting locations.

Yesterday, Charley visited a strawberry farm, and the primary focus, (as you might expect) was (drum roll) strawberries. As he interviewed the farmer, Charley held up two strawberries. One was a deep rich red in color. The other was what might be, in layman’s terms, referred to as an albino; for it was the color of the driven snow.

And as the host of “Charley’s World” interacted with the strawberry farmer, he focused on three criteria of this wonderful fruit: Appearance, Fragrance and Taste.

And as he referred to the beautiful color of the ruby red strawberry, and the smell of the fruit, and its unparalleled taste, I experienced one of those “spiritual ah-ha’s.” For you see, it occurred to me that these three characteristics might well describe the things we should be looking for in the life of a mature believer, and I think in the progressive nature of those three words.

Appearance:

No, I’m not talking about whether he or she is externally handsome or beautiful, but rather whether he or she is known for their good words and works by saint and sinner, alike, and whether they possess a sterling reputation in the environment in which they find themselves.

Fragrance:

No, I’m not talking about whether he or she takes a shower on a daily basis, (though I certainly hope they do). I am, rather, referring to whether they are known for their devotion to God, and their spiritual consistency and dependability among those in their sphere of influence

Taste:

No, I’m not referring to their choice of clothing, or a car, but his or her character. For, after all, character is shaped by the multiplied thousands of small decisions, and resulting actions which a given person makes over the course of a lifetime. Of course, the authenticity of someone’s character is apparent to those whom God sets in their pathway, but even more so to God, Himself. When it all is “said and done,” do we wear the proverbial mask of a hypocrite, or will we stand the test of time?

God give us the wherewithal to, above all things, impress you with the appearance, fragrance and taste of the lives with which you have endowed us, and which we live out on the earth.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending