“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”  (Psalm 24:8, ESV).

     The data is in. Recent clinical research found that substituting two tablespoons of maple syrup for refined sugars helps reduce cardiometabolic risk factors. People who replaced refined sugars with maple syrup experienced reductions in abdominal fat, blood pressure, and improved glycemic response. The truth is that the things that are good for you need not taste badly.

     Unfortunately, most Americans consider unhealthy food to be tasty. Mass marketing drives much of the American diet. U.S. citizens are subjected to advertising messages that make unhealthy food appealing. Yet when healthy products are introduced, much of the emphasis is placed on the physical benefits. Rarely is their flavorful taste mentioned.

     I believe a similar dynamic is at play with respect to people of faith. Many who live outside of the Christian community view a life in Christ as being bland. In his 1977 hit single, Only the “Good Die Young”, Billy Joel wrote the follow lyrics:

       They say there’s a heaven for those who will wait,
       Some say it’s better, but I say it ain’t.
       I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.
      The sinners are much more fun.

From Billy Joel’s perspective, being a follower of Jesus may be a good thing, but the experience seems unappealing. In short, life as a Christian looks boring.

     I couldn’t disagree more. In chapter five of Luke’s gospel, Matthew reportedly threw Jesus a party. The house was filled with people whom the rest of society found to be distasteful. And Jesus was in the middle of the celebration laughing with the sinners.

     What a lot of people fail to recognize is that life with Jesus is not just good for you, it’s extremely gratifying. There is joy in knowing that Jesus does not hold your past against you. There is relief when you recognize that in all things God is working for the benefit of those who love Him. There is contentment in the realization that nothing can separate you from the love of God.

     So, the next time you are hungry, why not reach for an apple? Just because it’s good for you doesn’t mean it doesn’t taste good. And if you haven’t tried hanging out with Jesus, why not join him at the party? I have every confidence that your experience with him will be sweet.