Some of you may be aware of my affection for BBQ.  Over the years, that affection led me to learn to grill and smoke various kinds of meat. I will tell you that my family and I have enjoyed the journey for the most part. 

One of the challenges of learning to season the meat the way I want it is that I regularly experiment with different flavors.  The reason for this is that I find that there seems to be something lacking in the flavor profile for me.  In other words, I am chasing something close to perfection. 

Where my BBQing is concerned, I am somewhat trapped by my lack. 

But that is what lack does to us.  It traps us.  It points to a deficiency that quietly permeates the things we claim we want. 

Our hearts are held captive by our lack. 

The question for us is...What is your lack? 

While you are contemplating that question, let’s read about the lack of a man who Jesus invited into authentic relationship. 

READ LUKE 18:18-30