Would I Give Up Chocolate for Jesus?

I know a lady who has given up caffeine as a life-long fast. Like, even foods that have caffeine. Ahem, CHOCOLATE! A. She’s my hero. And, B. She’s one of the most impactful ministers I know. I’m not suggesting that we earn callings and gifts through means of effort. They are gifts from God. For what’s it worth, though, I do believe we are supposed to be good stewards of those gifts. But that’s not my point today.

I confess that I am the world’s worst faster. No. Seriously. I’ll justify anything. I lick potato chips when fasting. One time, I was doing a liquid fast with a few soft foods and eventually reasoned that chocolate pudding was a soft food, so I partook. I know there is grace, but pretty sure that defeated the purpose. But that’s not my point today either.

I love knowing people with this kind of conviction. It’s humbling in a good way. The way community sharpens us. It makes me evaluate and ask questions. What would I give up to steward the gifts from God in my life? As I survey my life, I realize that there are indeed things that have been given up. I gave them up because they don’t represent the life that has been given to me in Christ. As disciples, we’ve been crucified with Jesus and now live in his life–because he loves us (Galatians 2:20). So maybe those omissions are a kind of life-long fast. Maybe. But back to my original point.

If the Lord asked, would I give up chocolate? I think the answer is yes. But in full disclosure, I could only do so after I justified a few more indulgences. One more dark chocolate bar, maybe two. And a slice of Godiva chocolate cheesecake. And the chocolate soufflé from that fancy resort. And maybe a box of fudge rounds just for kicks. And, of course, there would be one more road trip to the Donut Hole for a chocolate angel. Then, after my taste buds were satisfied and my gluttonous belly full, I would probably be ready.

Help my unbelief, Lord. I want to be that surrendered.