Have Your Tastes Changed?

When we are young, we have unique, personal tastes.  It can be very difficult to try new things that are unfamiliar. Sweets generally rank high on the list of favorites. There are also the familiar, comfort foods. Together these often comprise a limited list of favorite foods that children will prefer to eat repeatedly.
Over the course of life, taste buds tend to change. There are many reasons for this. As we grow up we may try foods that others consider tasty. Ethnic foods from the kitchens of my friend’s homes opened my awareness and taste buds to new and different flavors. Once we marry, we may find ourselves eating a new variety of foods that are familiar to and favorites of our spouses. A few of my husband David's dishes soon became my favorites, simply because they were his favorite.
And then there is the time of greatest change in taste buds for a woman, when she is pregnant. We have all heard the stories of pregnant women desiring pickles and ice cream together. (Personally I have loved them each; before, during and after pregnancy, but never together.) What I did notice while I was pregnant was that some of my favorites changed. Whereas a sweet French salad dressing had always been my dressing of choice, I could not get enough Ranch dressing while I was pregnant. Oddly enough to this day, 25 years later, I still prefer ranch dressing.

The taste buds, or desires, of our heart can react in much the same way. When we are young in our relationship with Jesus Christ, we may desire the things that please us concerning this newfound love of God. As young Christians we are encouraged to this. “Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation, Since you have [already] tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord.” (1 Peter 2:2-3 AMP) As we begin to grow in a relationship with God we begin to look those around us and try new things that others have found. A verse or Biblical truth that has come alive to a brother or sister in Christ may encourage us to study similar teachings and our taste buds expand. We are to encourage each other. “And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities.”  (Hebrews 10:24 AMP)

When we fall deeply in love with Jesus Christ and desire more and more to please Him, our spiritual tastes will again change. This is true to a heart that is wholly sold out to their Savior. We will change to be more like Him. “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) This transformation of heart causes us to share the desires of Jesus Christ.

That time in life when tastes change most rapidly and sometimes crazily is during pregnancy. When we become pregnant with a vision from God, our desires will completely change. Things that once seemed so important, now appear to have little meaning. Our focus and goals are on the vision that God has put in our heart. No matter how crazy the vision may seem or the actions God has called us to, this God given direction for our life will be the focus of our desires. To know God better and obey His will is all that we crave. Regardless the cost, we are willing to pay for that taste of serving others. “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 AMP)

Wherever we are, we can enjoy the taste of that stage of spiritual life. From savoring the milk of infancy, to growing, to the sophisticated tastes of serving from a heart of love, there is much to enjoy. New in the faith, we can enjoy the first taste of new life in Christ. “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) As we grow and learn more of Him, we can allow our tastes to expand. “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.” (1 Corinthians 13:11 AMP) As we learn the specific paths God has for each of us, we crave the taste of His servant heart. “As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].” (1 Peter 4:10 AMP)

How are your taste buds? Allow them to develop as you seek the Lord in all things.