I’m baking bread today. This means that I am not going anywhere this morning, as bread baking requires my attention for several hours. The laundry seems to be wanting a little attention, too. And the dog! Funny how that happens!
No matter what kind of yeast bread you are making, it does take time. Time to knead, time to proof, time to bake, and (a little) time to eat. As I work in my kitchen to make two loaves of bread, it reminds me of how God shapes us and grows us so that we become more like Christ.
Kneading the dough
…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Kneading dough evenly mixes the ingredients so they will work together to help the dough rise better. As I am kneading my dough, I am constantly reminded how God uses people, Bible studies, circumstances, and prayer to mold me and shape me and make me better. Sometimes I feel like I am the bread being kneaded; however, I am reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 5 which says that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. He also writes in chapter 12 to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. I know – it is hard to be joyful when your being shaped and molded, squished and squeezed, but it is fulfilling His good purpose in us. And we are His handiwork. He has prepared big plans for us! And that plan will be an amazing adventure. Now, enough about that arduous kneading, it is time for the dough to rise or proof.
Proofing
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
John 15:8
Proofing the dough is all about the yeast. As the yeast feast on sugars, they give off carbon dioxide – making the dough rise and giving it that amazing flavor. When we have Christ in us, the proof is the fruit we produce. Allowing the Holy Spirit to knead these characteristics into our lives daily proves to others that you are a disciple of Christ. I know – life can be tough and people can be tough, too. It takes daily prayer and daily Bible reading to pull this off! Sometimes more than once a day – depending on the fruit! But Christ calls us to be his disciples and He will equip us to do this task.
Well, I was ready to wrap this post up, but when I was putting the dough in the pans and getting ready for the second proof, I realized that I forgot to add salt – an ingredient necessary for flavor. Well, if you thought I was a chef extraordinaire, you are sadly mistaken! So now, I feel compelled to add one more paragraph (or two!)
Flavor
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Matthew 5:13
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
1 Peter 3:15
Now Jesus was talking about us, not bread, but the main point here is that as Christians, we must have grace and mercy and forgiveness towards others (and those other fruits, too) because we need to be more like Christ. If we are going to say that we follow Christ, our actions must show it to others. And when our actions reflect the characteristics of Christ, people are going to ask you about it. Are you ready to give that answer?
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for working in me and shaping me to fulfill your good purpose. As I walk through my day, teach me to be joyful and patient and kind. Help me to remember that Christ in me is the hope of glory, and as I try to live as Christ, help me to be gracious, merciful, and forgiving. Finally, O Lord, let me love one another and be with me each day to guide my path. Amen
Wanting to make bread? Here is the recipe that I have used numerous times and makes 2 delicious loaves. Oh, don’t forget the salt.
