One of my favorite foods to eat is pizza. I enjoy all types of crusts – from the super thin cracker-type to the thick and doughy filling kind. Pizza covered with a thick sauce (whether white or red) and a generous layer of Italian cheeses further develop the rich delicious flavors of this Italy-born main course. An attribute of pizza that causes it to reflect creativity, cultural connection, and culinary preferences arises with the toppings.
Toppings – A layer of food poured or spread over a base of a different type of food to add flavor.
In the US, in addition to a variety of herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, primary pizza toppings include pepperoni, pineapple, ham, peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, ground meat, sausage, jalapeno, and artichoke, Some pizza chefs venture into new territory adding citrus zest, fruit, ricotta cheese, arugula, and flavored oils. Different countries, like Korea, add their cultural flavors with cultural toppings such as kimchi, bolgogi, sweet potato, and mashed potatoes. Those who live in Australia often order pizza with prawns as a topping and in Ukraine, mayonnaise, corn, and dill reflect local pizza toppings.
From my perspective, the toppings give pizza life. Toppings add to the bread-like crust, flavorful sauce, and the selection of cheeses. Toppings enhance the pizza, often reflecting personal taste and place in the world.
What are your favorite pizza toppings? Why those?
While savoring pizza this past week, I amused myself by considering this tasty dish as a metaphor for the christian. I pondered the idea of the pizza crust (primarily composed of flour, yeast, and water) representing our Triune God (Father, Son, Spirit). The red sauce reminded me of the love of God, primarily seen through the life and sacrifice of Jesus. And, the gooey cheese reflected the Holy Spirit who holds us together, the glue of our soul. Then, I found myself curious about the many toppings from which one can select. I likened the toppings on pizza to the spiritual practices in one’s journey with God.
Like pizza toppings, intentional practices and rhythms in one’s walk with Jesus bring life to the spiritual journey. The ways we encounter God through Scripture, prayer, silence, service, worship, journaling, etc. put us in places to grow with God and experience His transforming power through the Spirit.
Do your regular practices with God enhance your connection with Him? In what ways do you experience life with God through different spiritual rhythms?
We choose toppings for pizza to enhance and perhaps even experiment with the flavor. Recently when I was in Australia, I tried a pizza with peaches, ricotta, and prosciutto. It was different, but very pleasant to eat. Similarly, we engage spiritual practices with the desire to enhance our connection with God, deepen our love for Jesus, and embrace the movements of the Holy Spirit. Experimenting with fresh approaches to God’s Word, prayer, and focus on the Lord have produced depth with God within my own soul that I did not dream or imagine. God is so Good.
Maybe you are a creature of habit and always order the same toppings on your pizza, like pepperoni and sausage? I wonder, do they offer life to the pizza? Do you still enjoy satisfaction with their flavor? If so, great! Keep on relishing those toppings to your pizza. If not, consider a change. What about your spiritual journey? Do your current practices offer life and flavor to your walk with Jesus? Or, have they become a habit that feels a bit dull or dry?
“I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10
Is it time to try some new “toppings” in your journey with God? What would it look like to enhance your experience with God through fresh approaches toward Him? Some ideas might include: gazing at art, painting, listening to Scripture, memorizing a Psalm, holding prayer beads, praying with liturgies, taking a walk, marveling at creation, sitting in silence, listening to different worship-style of music, reading writings from the saints, playing at the playground, writing letters, daily repentance, beholding God, etc.
Maybe experiment with God – try a new “topping,” a new spiritual practice, and notice the ways it develops flavor in your communion and connection with the Lord. 🍕
This week – – –
Reflect. Take a moment to think about your spiritual journey. Do you feel alive with God in your daily living? How does the Holy Spirit breathe life into you each day? Does your soul long for more with God? Talk with God about a practice that puts you in a place to know Him more fully and love Him more deeply. Try one of the ideas shared above, or talk with a friend or family member. Perhaps order a pizza with a different topping as you ponder these ideas.
Request. Thank God for His presence with you. Read Matthew 6:2-18. Notice the spiritual practices Jesus highlights (giving, prayer, and fasting). Ask God to add flavor to your journey with Him through these intentional “toppings.” Be creative with the expression of these practices. Wonder with God about your personal preference and creativity as you give, pray, and fast.
Receive. Acts 17:25 – “...he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” God gives life. Sit for a moment with open hands. Thank God for the life He gives to you. Receive the life, breath, and everything else that God brings. He is with you and meets you in the midst of daily practices and rhythms. Welcome His tender attention and transforming presence to your soul.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand..
John 14:6 – Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
John Mark Comer. Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become like him, Do as he did. Colorado Springs, CO. 2024.
Audrey Allege and Elizabeth Moore. Liturgies for Wholeness. Colorado Springs, CO. 2024
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Steven Curtis Chapman.Jesus is Life. Click here to watch and listen.
Seph Schleuter. Running Back to You. Click here to watch & listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
April 11 – Breathe Retreat, Littleton, CO
April 22-May 5 – Poland and Ukraine (Teaching intensive course, “The Care of Souls,” at UBTS)