Would you like to learn a profound, theological truth that could forever change your life? Go to the cereal aisle. Yes, the cereal aisle. Go to the grocery and ponder what you see on that aisle.
No, I’m not suggesting that God will grant you an epiphany between the Super Sugar Puffs and the Chocolate-With-a-Spec-of-Corn-So-You’ll-Think-It’s-Healthy cereals. But you will find an important life principle there if you look closely enough.
But you’ll have to look up. Yeah, way up on the top shelf. What do you see? Now, take a look at the shelves that are more eye level. Do you notice a difference? Isn’t it true that the healthier cereal is on the top shelf, and the brightly colored sugars with a touch of grain are in the middle?
That’s no accident, or so I’ve been told. Thoughtful marketers put the most tempting stuff where it’s easy to find, supposedly for kids, but I think they know that adults like for it to be easy to reach, too. The healthy stuff is higher up. You have to be looking for it to notice it. It takes more effort to reach it.
And that’s the important life principle – the healthy stuff is on the top shelf. You have to reach for it. What’s easiest to get to may taste great (and who doesn’t love sugar?), but it isn’t the best thing for you. Our greatest temptation may be to reach for what is easiest rather than what is best.
Are “A’s” better than “F’s”? Yes, but you have to work harder for them. Is fitness better than what I’ve got? Sure, but it takes some reaching for that, too. You actually have to get off the sofa and sweat to be in shape. Is a happy marriage better than a break-up? Absolutely, but it, too, takes some effort. So do good friendships, success at work, and a deep spiritual life.
Life’s best is rarely found on the most accessible shelf. You’ll have to stretch a bit to get to it, but the best is there waiting for you. “Seek and you will find,” Jesus taught us. “Knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). He never said that he would drop it in your lap.
Are life’s best things on your shopping list? Go get them. Just be sure to look up. That’s where the very best is found.

A Word from Williams Road is provided by the Williams Road Church.