Remain a Vegetable?

Okay, this is probably the kind of story you don’t hear every day. I was doing a book signing at a Christian book store, and they had all kinds of great contests and give-a-ways. Talk about a party! My assistant was there helping me with the signing, and low and behold, she won the giant blow-up Junior Asparagus! Yes, the Veggie Tales guy. And he was almost as tall as I am. It happens that my assistant is one of the most loyal Veggie Tales fans you’ll ever meet—especially among fans over 30. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more thrilled over winning over-sized blow-up vegetation.

When the event was over, she put Junior in the passenger seat of her pickup. I had to laugh as I saw her driving off. I think she buckled his seatbelt, but I was still imagining the call: “I’m sorry to have to inform you, Mrs. Rhea, that your friend was in a terrible accident. She’s going to be okay, but I’m afraid her passenger…is a vegetable.”

Don’t worry, remaining in a vegetative state is okay if you’re already a vegetable. In fact, “Remaining” can be a good thing. Remaining loyal and steadfast in supporting our country and the cause of righteousness (even more loyal, say, than the most devout Veggie fan). Remaining diligent in our support. Remaining alert to injustice. Remaining champions of upright causes. Remaining constantly devoted to the God Who is over it all.

Jesus instructed us to remain—to stay in, abide in, hang on to—His love. How? By doing what He said to do. He tells us in John 15:9-10, “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love.”

Remaining a vegetable is good for a vegetable. Remaining lovingly obedient to Christ is good for a Christian. You’ll love what you discover in your remaining. It’s joy! In the very next verse, Jesus said, “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Not half joy. There’s complete joy in remaining!

By the way, and just so you know, Junior remains in his vegetative state. And while he may not be the chattiest passenger on the planet, since that book signing, my assistant hasn’t hit a single problem driving in the car pool lane.

Rhonda Rhea is a radio personality and a conference speaker for events all over the country. She is the wife of First Baptist Church of Troy, Missouri’s pastor, Richie Rhea, and mother of five teenagers. She has authored several fun and fruitful books, including the new release I’m Dreaming of Some White Chocolate. Watch for High Heels in High Places coming in 2007. Find out more at www.RhondaRhea.net. For speaking information, try www.FindRhonda.com.