Growing up, we ate Spam. Not often but when we did, my mom would fry the spam slap on a slice of cheese and place the meat between two pieces of toasted bread. Top it with mayo, mustard, lettuce and a slice of tomato from our garden in the back yard, and you had a delicious meal—even though it came from a can!
Some of you may have similar memories of the canned meat. Most today think of junk mail sitting in their computer when they hear the word SPAM. I’ve recently learn that there is another definition for the word SPAM. It’s what my kids are leaning in church these days. They have been encouraged to take the SPAM challenge!
No. The SPAM challenge is not how many cans of meat a teenager can eat in one setting. It’s a spiritual challenge. SPAM stands for Spiritual Preparation And Mediation. The challenge is to fast for a week or a month from secular TV, magazines, movies, and music so that you can hear clearly from God.
No Ipods???? SCREAM!!! “What a horrifying thought!” This was my teenager’s first response. Living without her Ipod would be like living without running water! How would she survive?
Since we’re being honest here, my first thought was, “I’d have to give up American Idol?” SCREAM!!!
And yet, like my daughter, I felt convicted by the tug on my heart. You know that familiar tug from the Lord. It’s similar to that look I use to get from my mother. One glance and I knew what she wanted me to do without hesitation or question. Well, God was staring me down, and I knew He was asking me to take the challenge.
So, today I’ve decided to start “spam-ing.” While I can’t give up the computer since it’s a part of my job, I have pledge to do less. I want to hear from God. I’ve already begun this year by asking Him to direct my steps, and I believe He will. But how can I hear Him say, “This is the way. Now walk in it,” if I’m distracted by the secular world around me?
I can’t.
Let’s face it. The world is screaming at us with all the wrong information. Listening to it will only mislead us spiritually and keep us from God’s purpose and plan for our lives. So, I’m doing more than turning down the volume. I’m turning it off by taking the SPAM challenge. Won’t you join me?
Casey S. says
This is a tough one. I’m an American Idol fan too. Why is it so hard for me to choose to live without distractions? I shouldn’t even hesitate but that’s sort of my release. I only have a handful of shows that I even watch. AM I able to record and watch it after the SPAM? 🙂
I feel so selfish. I hope you don’t think I am too terrible for questioning.
Micca says
I say recording the show is a great idea! Why else would God make a way? :o)
Like you, I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I think taping it and viewing it later is just fine. In fact, we may see it with fresh eyes!
blessings!
JottinMama says
Ah, yes. The “familiar tug”…..I know what you mean.
Hmmmm! This whole SPAM thing sounds like a good idea. I just might be feeling a tug myself.
Thanks so much. Good stuff!
Blessings,
Kate 🙂
Kelly says
A couple of Sundays ago I decided to go the whole day without getting on the internet. Wow! I didn’t realize it would be so difficult. I made it…but it made me think about making idols and such. Spam for a week…would too be a challenge yet I am convinced very rewarding. Thanks for the acronym.
Wendy Blight says
Micca, just had to share I have NEVER had spam in my life!!! Not just its name, but the very looks of it scare me. :0)
But I love your post today and admire the commitment you have made to the Lord. I pray He will speak marvelous Truths to you as you dedicate more time to Him!!
Love you, Wendy
Oh Dear says
David Nasser’s A Call to Die encourages fasting from something for a month. He gives devotions and scripture to learn in your new found time. We turned our TV around backwards. I was teaching High School at the time and it was so cool to share with my students and they kept me in check too! Go Girl with your SPAM!