Once you peel away the surface of an artichoke you find a soft inside, but the avocado’s core is hard. This describes two types of people. The artichoke represents what we should be as a mature Christian, tough on the outside and soft within. We should be tough in that we are not so easily offended and able to take correction. Not so touchy when people or life seems unjust. The avocado represents that “over sensitivity” is not necessary spiritual, but could be revealing a heart that needs to be softer. How we respond to conflict, insensitivity of others, words meant to correct will reveal whether we are soft or hard within. It will reveal whether we are an Artichoke or Avocado Christian.
Words of Wisdom from Ron Correll.
“The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on Jesus Christ's errands, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, Do not be bothered with whether you are being justly dealt with or not. To look for justice is a sign of deflection from devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will begin to grouse and to indulge in the discontent of self-pity---Why should I be treated like this? If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says— God steadily on with what I have told you to do and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance. The most devout among us become atheistic in this connection; we do not believe God, we enthrone common sense and tack the name of God on to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts.”
My Utmost For His Highest ~Oswald Chambers
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