Unrefined

      Some of the paths God has had me travel over the years have led to my research in "clean-eating". Clean eating is when you go back to the basics, eating foods that are unrefined, fresh, and clean of any chemicals. It's organic. Did you know that regular white salt has almost zero health benefit, but unrefined salt that is cloudy gray, sometimes red or even blue is full of minerals that most American's are lacking? I've also studied many health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, but again, not any ACV. It has to be raw and unfiltered.

     Just as food loses it's nutritional value the more it's processed, so does spiritual content, whether it be books, music, sermons etc. We strip the anointing and power when we over produce it. This is why I've been a fan of raw, spontaneous worship, independent books etc . Things that have been under produced, untouched and unrefined. Every time we run something through our process of refinement we strip it of it's health benefit whether spiritual or physical.

     I've had to be careful about this with my books as well. It's tempting to give into the pressure of over editing. There are so many people telling you what needs to be fixed that it's easy to keep stripping it down more and more until finally you have something boring, smooth and powerless. Everyone is different, but I personally like things that still have a few edges and are unpolished. The only refinement anyone or anything needs is the refinement that comes from the hands and spirit of God. But trust me when I say, what God refines is usually different then what we would refine. We polish things based on political correctness, sales and image. God's process has to do with hearts, not our fan base.

     We are a unique people, created for God's pleasure and purpose. Lets not lose what makes us special by "editing it out", by allowing ourselves to be over processed in the world's system. Though our edges may not fit in with the norm, it's the part of us that carries the anointing, it's the part of us that's capable of making positive change in the world, it's what makes us different.

    What in your life is over processed? What could you possibly leave alone and allow to be organic and exposed for the world and other Christians to gain from?  It's these things that bring about discipleship, growth and fruitfulness, not the smooth, perfectly manicured things we usually take pride in.