The Centerpiece

“So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew‬ ‭23:28‬ ‭

Once upon a time, a man and his wife attended a wedding. It was a beautiful affair with an elaborate reception. After the wedding, as the man and his wife entered the reception hall, they were awed by a towering centerpiece made entirely of fruit. There was every kind of fruit imaginable there. As the guests began to talk and mingle, the man’s mouth watered more and more for the fruit in the center of the table. With each conversation, he stole a glance at the fruit, even planning out the portions of each type he would place on his plate.

Finally, the bride and groom entered the reception hall and the feasting could begin. The man desperately tried to mask his excitement for the tasty fruit, but his efforts were—fruitless. Just as he made it to the center of the table, plate in hand, the man’s face dropped as he discovered his fanciful feast, the object of his desire, was entirely artificial! The man walked away in complete disappointment.

In reflecting on this story, I am convicted by the many times the fruit in my own life has been artificial—more an object of display than quietly honoring God, content and assured of my place at His table.

Often we attempt to be the centerpiece without even realizing it. Our self-centered motives give us away, and like the man at the wedding, those who are hungry for the real centerpiece—Christ in us—leave disappointed.

I don’t want to be a display of fake fruit. I want others to have their fill of God’s goodness—His real goodness—from my life. In order to do that, my life must always point to Him and Him alone. He is the real Centerpiece whose delicacies never disappoint.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”  Psalm 34:8

Goodnight, Runners.