One of my latest Runner’s World magazines was singing the praises of pomegranate & blueberry juice. Both juices are packed full of antioxidants, which are cancer (and other disease) fighters. I need all of that I can get.
So while at the store this weekend, I thought I’d see if they had a bottle of either juice. It didn’t take long in the juice section to find one that had BOTH pomegranate and blueberry juice combined. The label shouted the health benefits of both. Being a label reader, I checked the ingredients of the half-gallon jug just before I headed to the checkout lane. Here’s a picture of the label I took with my phone….
Reconstituted vegetable blend? Sweet potatoes? Purple carrots? WHAT?
You probably know that law requires food companies to put ingredients on the label in the order of the amount in the product. So the first item listed is the greatest ingredient and so on and so on. Notice how far down pomegranate and blueberry juices are on this list. Talk about surprise! They weren’t first, second or third. Basically there was a lot of everything in this EXCEPT the juices I was looking for.
After looking at the front label again I noticed way down in the corner the words “Pomegranate & Blueberry FLAVORED” drink. Ugh. I was looking for 100% juice and instead was about to by flavored juice.
That got me to thinking…
- If I had an ingredient label on me, how far down the list would Jesus be on my label? Would he be towards the top, in the middle or at the bottom?
- Would I be 100% Jesus or just Jesus flavored?
- Do I proclaim to be Jesus on my outside label, but on the inside I’m not Jesus at all?
The bible tells me that the ONLY place Jesus will accept in my life is at the VERY top, the FIRST ingredient. I’ve got some work to do.
How about you … are you 100% Jesus or just Jesus flavored?
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
I'll take 100% Jesus full for eternity, Trey.
Flavored or Full — I like the image this creates in my mind.
Trey, thank you for your wonderful words of thought provoking wisdom. I often quote your posts on my blog hoping to reach even more people.
I agree with Scott. 100% Jesus for all eternity.
good reminder trey.
ps. the good stuff is in the refrigerated section.
Wow..another "stop your day and just think about this for a second" post! I LOVED the 100% Jesus or Jesus Flavored question. I think we all would love to be 100% Jesus, but most or a lot of us live our lives Jesus Flavored. Thanks again for your awesome blog!
We talked about Substitutes Sunday. Someone asked for Sugar and was handed the pink stuff, then the blue stuff and even the yellow stuff before getting the real thing.
I also remember going with a friend to buy a cross pendents for necklace. I remember hearing the sales person ask "do you want that with or without the man?".
Thanks for sharing.
Rob
Great post. I honestly don't know my answer…I am not 100% Jesus, though I would like to be…and I would hope to be that as I am here on the mission field…but lately I seem to be lacking and am trying to seek Him better. I feel superficial sometimes and like a hypocrite. I would really love it if you could pray for me in that area. It can get pretty challenging and discouraging out here sometimes, to be honest.
Thank you once again for making us think!
Blessings, my friend~
Oh how I love a good analogy…especially when it makes me think!!
On this side of eternity, none of us will ever be 100% Jesus except that his blood covers us and when God looks upon us, he sees 100% Jesus. Good thoughts today!!
good stuff to think about again, Trey!
As a previous poster said, try the refrigerated section. One brand to look for is Pom. Good, pure stuff, in an industry that uses tons of filler.
I loved your thought provoking blog today. I'm a label reader and I am always surprised at some of them. Thanks for putting it all in a different perspective. gmj
Very good thoughts. I am scared to ask this question to myself. But, I will think about it.
Is it possible to be just Jesus flavored and obtain eternal happiness? The Bible says, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. -Rev. 3:16)
This scripture gives very little room! My question is, if we are caught in a lukewarm state, will the grace of God cover for us?
Maybe someone on this thread can answer that. I'd like to write a blog post on this thought.
Thanks for the inspiration, Trey!
Wow great lesson I guess that's why your in the lesson business!
Excellent thoughts Trey! I like the way you think. Thanks for sharing this post.
Good post. Will Jesus be okay with me not drinking carrot juice? Just checkin'
Trey, no one is 100% Jesus except Jesus, but remember you only have to be 51% Jesus for him to be at the top.
Great thoughts, I love things that make me look at self, without rose colored glasses.
I too like the way you think and make us think!