Pizza with Crust?

Early in our marriage we invited over a bunch of people for home-made pizza.  I worked diligently to make preparations for our impromptu party.    Overcoming my qualms about baking with yeast, I followed the instructions to the letter – kneading the dough, maintaining perfect temperatures, waiting while it rose.  Triumphant when it did, I rolled out the dough, applied the toppings and waited for my masterpiece to emerge from the oven.  I had timed it perfectly so the guests were ready, soft-drinks in hand when it came out of the oven.   More then eager to consume this aromatic, golden-brown, veggie and meat combo, the guests watched as I set out to extract the pizza from the pan.

That was when trouble hit.  I had forgotten to grease the pan.  It turns out that greasing is a very important step in the process.  The crust refused to relinquish its hold on the pan no matter how hard I scraped, pushed and tore at it.  My guests loyally stood by, watching me wrestle with my masterpiece, grim determination eventually giving way to resignation.  Apparently we were going to be consuming crust-less pizza.   It was a memorable evening.  We ate shredded pieces of baked cheese with veggies and meat on top…..

Who would have thought that one small, virtually unseen step of preparation would be so important?  It boils down to a simple reality.  The groundwork is critical to the outcome.  It is true in ministry as well as in our own personal lives.  The public, outwardly visible part of ourself is only as stable as the foundational realities in our lives.  Things like my ongoing relationship with Jesus, my view of myself, my ability to forgive, and my healing from past hurts, are all the building blocks that contribute to what others experience from me.

Granted, many of us could put on a good show and look competent and productive with enough determination and chutzpa.  However, if the foundation is lacking, the results will be short-lived and ineffective in the long run.  It will crumble with time and pressure.

Foundational work requires determination, the tenacity to seek the truth about oneself and a willingness to experience the pain that comes along with this kind of revelation:  all largely unseen by everyone except God and those closest to you.   A willingness to address these things comes from a conviction that God is more interested in growth and healing then He is in accomplishments.   Out of this process, however springs healing, freedom and greater effectiveness.    Because the ground has been properly prepared, the end result will stand strong and sure.

I wonder what would happen if we intentionally focused more on the ground work in our lives, then on the visible end-product?  Would we be more effective in the long run?  Would the results be further-reaching and longer-lasting?  Most of all, would God’s kingdom be built up and strengthened?

In a nutshell, would we have the whole  pizza with crust?