Expiration Date

December 19, 2020 by  
Filed under Faith, Faith Articles

By Kathy Carlton Willis –

“Is it okay to use cheese that has mold on it? Can’t I just cut off the mold and use the good part?”

This was a recent question on the Rachel Ray television show. It got my attention because I’m guilty of letting food park in my refrigerated “garage” too long. I hate to let things go to waste, but I won’t use food that might make me sick. So how do you know?

Rachel Ray answered the cheese question by saying the moldy cheese will never taste as good again, even if the mold is removed, unless it was a moldy cheese to begin with, such as Gorgonzola. She went on to mention another offensive item in the refrigerator, anything past its expiration date. I’ve heard it time and time again that the expiration date is there for a reason—I get that. But what if the date is a “sell by” date instead? Then how do you know if the item is still okay? Usually it is the milk that has a sell by date, and there is an easy way to tell if it has gone bad—if you are willing to recruit your nose for the job!

One tip I learned early in my marriage was how to know if eggs are still fresh—and these can be used past the expiration date. Put the suspicious egg in a bowl of salted cold water. If it floats, throw it out. If it sinks, it is fresh. If it swims somewhere in the middle of the water—neither floating nor sinking—it is safe to use for baking or for deviled eggs, but not fresh enough for an eggs and bacon breakfast.

All this talk about expiration dates got me to thinking about our time to leave this earth. Some believe when it is your time to go, it will happen no matter what you do to alter the date and time. I know a few cases documented in the Bible of people who actually were able to bargain with God for a later expiration date.

One thing we should focus on more than the expiration date is the “use by” date. Yep—I fooled you. That is the same as the expiration date. You know what that tells me? All creation is meant to be useful to the very end. Usefulness to God might look a lot different from the “usefulness” we struggle to achieve. While doing good works is good, what God really finds useful is when we are in fellowship with Him. He created us to walk and talk with Him. And really—can’t we continue that to the very end?

In the great egg test of life, I hope God finds that I sink rather than float. And if you knew my swimming ability, you would realize just how possible that might be.

Feeling expired? Trade it in for feeling INSPIRED.

“And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:6 AMP).

About Kathy Carlton Willis

Kathy Carlton Willis shines, whether she’s shining the light on God’s writers and speakers, or reflecting God’s Light during her speaking programs. She is Christ-servant, wife to Russ, editor, publicist, certified CLASSeminars faculty and AWSA member. KCW Communications encompasses her many passions. Schedule Kathy for a speaking event or contact her firm for promotional assistance. Learn more at http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/.
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Comments

6 Responses to “Expiration Date”
  1. Mary Jo says:

    Comparing ourselves to our refrigerators is a novel way to get a critical point across. Thank you for sharing your kitchen and heart with us.

    We just finished culling cans in the pantry, finding expiration dates on them, too. In case it never happened to you, evaporated milk turns a milky brownish-yellow when it’s been too long.

    I’m on the lookout for expired hurts, blames, and guilt in my heart.

  2. Dawn Wilson says:

    I love, love, LOVE this! I need to remember this when I’m feeling “expired.” Thanks, Kathy.

  3. Kathy, this is a lovely addition to my day. Thank you. I’m inspired.

  4. Dawn and Karen, you two made my day! So glad you are “inspired.” God is using you in tremendous ways! But the enemy sure does like to try to trick us into believing we are of no use to God some days. Keep shining!

  5. Mary Jo, thanks for your comment. It both made me smile AND made me think! Blessings to you! May you continue to live out your purpose AND your shelf-life! 🙂

  6. Hally Franz says:

    Kathy, when I feel old (especially with regard to writing), I am always reminded of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who began yet another wonderful work with her books at an advanced age. Thanks for a “fresh” perspective and the reminder that we will never be too old to serve in some way.

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