Have you ever noticed how food can get people to do things they are a little on the fence about doing?

You know, like offering a cookout to a group of friends willing to help build a playhouse.  Or, bringing donuts to a meeting to smooth over a tough topic.  Or, even—dare I say it?—promising a nice after church meal for anyone in your household or range of friends who might like to sit alongside you in the pew.

Is that wrong?

I don’t think so.

As a Christian, I consider it my duty to lead others to Christ.  To point them in the direction if at all possible.

Now, I can stand on the street corner and preach, or attend a women’s lunch and do the same.  In each case, some will hear, and some will not.  Some may even be offended if I am too pushy.  And, if I’m not careful, I can push others away from Christ by being too direct, too preachy, or too “Christiany” (been there, pushed away by that).

Or, I can stay connected to those in my life who aren’t yet connected to Christ and offer them non-threatening opportunities in which a seed might be planted.  Since each seed is planted differently for different people, you never know how it might hit another’s soil, or what the condition of their soil might be when it hits.

Is it okay for me to go about my life, offering opportunities in which “seed” might fall?  I think so.

In fact, in today’s culture, I think it is a wise way to garden.

If I look back at my own journey, I know that even though I rarely went to church as a child, I had a deep yearning towards Jesus.  I literally knew nothing about Him.  NOTHING. Had no idea that He was God.  But, someone in a Sunday school class, or in a pew, or standing at a podium on no particular Sunday, spoke something to my heart that planted a small seed that sat dormant for many years, waiting for someone else to water it and help it grow.

Though I passed through many revivals, street preachers, tract carriers, and well meaning acquaintances through the years, it was the water I received during a meal with friends that made me push further into my questions.  A meal with friends.  With no hidden agenda.  Bathed in prayer, and begun with one.

Sometimes it’s as simple as offering a chance to get together for a cup of coffee when tough subjects might come up in which you might be able to offer a prayer, or even the hope that Christ can give.  It can be a muffin laid with an encouraging note at a friend’s desk that you know is struggling.  It can even be the offer of an after church meal with friends or family, that might be enough social interest to inspire someone to come along the ride to church. 

It can be that simple.  And, that profound.

Do you know someone who could use a good meal?