I bet the readership of the RHCC Student Ministry Blog would be interested to know how the cafeteria food has been at Samford University (insert plug for future collegians…Samford food rocks).

It might just be the best college cafe I’ve ever partook. There are multiple lines to choose from. A yummy fresh pizza and panini  line and a ready made grill line with super sweet looking burgers, chicken tenders, and fries.

And then there are two central lines called “The Classics.” The classics line features all measure of home-cooking including fabuloso veggies like steamed squash, fresh cut green beans, broccoli, and black-eyes. One night they even had stewed cherry tomatoes and onions. Needless to type, this writer dove in for seconds. We’ve had chicken picata, Italian sausage and penne, grilled chicken, fried pork chops, and fresh rolls. There is a killer salad and fruit bar and even some super sized desserts. The classical bounty of the Samford Student Hall is one I could sample all year.

But there is a problem. Last night, I began to realize that our students (mostly middle schoolers but certainly a high schooler or two) had only ever eaten from the pizza and burger bars. And it wasn’t because they didn’t know about the other options. They just continued to choose the fast-food varieties while overlooking the more balanced (lower sodium) healthier choices.

I immediately made a spiritual connection. Mind you..my weight isn’t where it needs to be and I haven’t exercised in “I’m not telling you” how long, but at least some fruit and veggies made it to my plate a time or twelve this week. I started to ask and answer a really sad question. How often do we as believers look at the smorgasbord of God’s table and choose a worldly quick fix meal instead? How often do we look at the meat and potatoes of His Holy word and settle for just a snack-wrap sized verse? How often are we content to stay with the same measure of truth we learned at VBS age 8 rather than grow up to the level of maturity befitting an adult believer?

One of this week’s super special words is commitment. Well…here’s mine. We’re not going to have a pizza and chicken finger student ministry at RHCC. (Don’t worry Jet’s Pizza…we’ll still be placing our standard order…this is more of a metaphor). I want to give students chicken divan and pasta primavera. I want them to delight themselves in the pork tenderloin of God’s truth with a side of orzo and wild herbs. And beyond me serving it to them…I want them to want more and serve themselves.

Future aspirations for students at RHCC and maybe even believers everywhere…the classics. Let’s bypass the burger line and slide into some real food!

Posted in M-Fuge Samford 2010, Missions, Student Pastor - Nic Allen, Summer 2010 by Nic Allen 1 Comment