The Spice in Life

Matthew 13:31-32

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Mustard. A valued seasoning since ancient times. Throw the seeds in the pot or mix then with salt and vinegar, and we create a pungent and flavorful condiment to compliment our meal.

Mustard does not offer calories, protein, or anything substantial- except flavor. It makes the necessary wonderful. Heaven is like a mustard seed. It makes the mundane divine.

When I look at the realities of life, sometimes I’m frustrated- we all are. At times, we wish we could change the way life works, but there are things that we will not and can not change. There will be disease, and hunger, and poverty. Life will be filled with both the good and the bad as part of the human condition. But we can bring God’s love to all situations. We can season the stew with God’s mercy.

Recently I have chosen a job, or it has chosen me, where I watch people’s lives in some of the hardest of times. I can’t take away the disease. I can’t offer money. I can’t make it easier. But I can be present. I can be patient. I can support and listen and value.

It is all about what we bring to the situation. Mustard is not the meat. It is not the visible or the substantial. But it does flavor every morsel. It is what brings things together by uniting everything and everyone. The tiny mustard seed and what it brings to life is humble yet all-encompassing.

We are the spice. The catalyst of God’s vision, we are not the end, but the means. 

Live. Season. Love.

Let us pray:

God, in the world that surrounds us, let us be mustard seeds in your kingdom and pack a punch. Let us provide the zest to make life spicy. Let us flavor the moments of people’s lives to make them better. Continue to show us and help us to love and bring mercy to those around us, Amen. 

Today's devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Leslie Ragland.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.