There is a popular show in society today called Iron Chef America.  During the show, two contestants are given a secret food ingredient in which they must prepare several dishes for the judges.  At the end of the grueling challenge it all comes down to style, presentation and flavor.  After a visual inspection, the judges then taste the food and rate each dish.  The interesting aspect of it all is, even if the dish is outstanding in taste, if the secret ingredient is not properly used, the contestant will still suffer in points.

Our walk with God is like that.  Many today want Christianity without the cross.  many want Christianity without the truth.  And even more so, many today want Christianity without Holiness.  They will present themselves to society and get creativity points for their appearance....they might even know the right words to say so as to come across as a righteous person.....

But in the end....God is looking for that secret ingredient.  If you do not have Him in the mix and His flavor is not seen and tasted, then your righteousness is nothing but filthy rags.  The Ruler and Judge wants to taste and see that the dish presented before Him is good.

   Isaiah 29: ^{13 -14}The Master said:

   "These people make a big show of saying the right thing,
   but their hearts aren't in it. Because they act like they're worshiping me
   but don't mean it, I'm going to step in and shock them awake,
   astonish them, stand them on their ears. The wise ones who had it all figured out will be exposed as fools. The smart people who thought they knew everything will turn out to know nothing."

To be a true iron chef takes more than big actions, big words and putting on the "kiss the chef" apron.  It takes a life long dedication.  It takes a pure heart and a dedicated walk.  It takes God being the main ingredient or else your showmanship is nothing but a flash in the pan of life.

I challenge on the wanna-be chefs to step back from their spice shelf, step away from their wines, vinegars and sauces and begin to make a pure presentation in which God is clearly the main ingredient.