My wife and I just finished watching the first three seasons of Worst Cooks in America. It is a reality TV show where two celebrity chefs, Chef Ann Burrell and Chef Bobby Flay attempt to teach the worst cooks in America how to cook like a five star chef. They divide the contestants into two teams and pit them against each other in cook off challenges. At the end of the season only two "worst chefs" remain and they must cook a gourmet meal for three local celebrity chefs who then vote on which meal was the best. It's a fun show to watch.
I see many parallels with how the budding chefs must listen and follow the celebrity chefs with how we as believers in Christ must listen and follow the Holy Spirit. The following are five lessons from Worst Cooks in America.
1. Listen to the Chef
Sounds simple right? Wrong. Some contestants get so confused or distracted that they check out and miss vital cooking advice. Is it any different with the Holy Spirit? Don't let the busyness and challenges of the daily grind distract you from actively listening to that still small voice. The word declares "my sheep know my voice".
2. Pay Attention to the Details
Cinnamon may look like ground red pepper and sugar may look like salt but you mix them up and your gag reflex will get a work out. Here is where small differences make a BIG difference. In your day to day don't forget the little things that make a BIG difference such as: morning devotions, being thankful, counting your blessings, helping the helpless, loving the unloveable, praying for a friend, etc...
3. Don't Rush It
The clock is always ticking. There's always something more that can be done. Rarely do we not feel the pressure of deadlines. All the Worst Cooks challenges have a time limit that forces them to push and manage the clock. Many a contestant has lost a challenge by letting one part of the cooking process devour the clock. Even in the midst of time crunches we must learn to wait upon the Lord. Satan is a professional at pushing and shoving whereas the Holy Spirit guides and, at most, pulls us. Never make an important decision in haste. In Jesus there's always enough time. Use it wisely.
4. Taste Test as you Go
How many times have I heard Chef Ann or Bobby ask a contestant who failed at a dish, "Did you taste it?" A spiritual application to taste testing in the kitchen is regularly pausing and reflecting on the Lord and His activity and role in your life. It's no surprise, one primary purpose of communion is to examine yourself before the Lord (1 Cor. 11:28).
5. Trust the Chef
It's almost embarrassing to watch when a worst cook contestant argues with the celebrity Chef. Really? Vanilla is not a spice for fried chicken. Cucumber is not a vegetable that goes good in a stuffed chicken breast. I'm not making these up, they are both real examples from the show. The Holy Spirit is the expert, He can be trusted. When you hear His voice, don't argue or justify yourself, say, "Yes, Chef." and watch Him transform your life from fast food to a 5-star meal.
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