So we have the basics… we have the roll and the hotdog to put in it. What happens after this is a matter of preference. Keep in mind, different regions of the United States all have their signature dog. Is one better than the other? Is one more righteous than the other? In a sense, yes, in that region’s eyes, there may be only one way to garnish a hotdog, and one way only. To deviate from that pattern would be considered wrong and even sacrilege. Needless to say, people tend to take their hotdogs quite seriously!
For example, it has been said that New York City consumes more hotdogs than any other region in the country. More often than not, the NYC hotdog comes served with steamed onions and deli-style mustard. To that end, in Chicago, the hotdogs are layered in yellow mustard, green relish, raw chopped onion, a pickle spear, peppers, tomato slices and celery salt, all on a poppy seed bun. Quite the opposite of the humble NYC dog, eh?
Now lets head to Boston. Their dogs are served with mustard, relish and topped with Boston baked beans. Texas? Make way for plenty of chili, cheese and of course, jalapenos. Back north to New Jersey, we have see an interesting take on the humble hotdog: served up in pizza bread topped with onions, peppers and deep fried potatoes. That’s a new one! I could go on but I’ll do one more… lets head to the west coast to California. As I understand there are a variety of dogs that are quite popular in that state but one that stood out was one that is found in the Los Angeles & San Francisco areas: Bacon wrapped dogs with grilled onions and peppers.
So where are we going with all this talk about hotdogs? As mentioned in part one, our spiritual walk is a lot like a pack of hotdogs: We have the basics of the hotdog and a roll. The actual hotdog is like God’s word and the roll represents the Holy Spirit. What goes on or is added after that is a matter of preference. And that preference, often times, is dependent on our influences. Influences that determine what is the “right” hotdog or the “one and only” hotdog. We often are jaded to the fact that other groups of people may view the lowly hotdog differently, they may have their own perception as to what the perfect hotdog should look like. We as Christians tend to take these preferences quite seriously.
How quick are we to judge another based on outward appearances? Or worship style? Or their choice of leisure or entertainment? If we were honest, we can be pretty quick, often times. We are so very fast to size someone up, or even an entire group of people, based on what we perceive as being the “gold standard” for how a Christian should look and conduct themselves. Remember, if its not spelled out in the Bible, it’s a matter of preference, your preference. Luke 6:37: Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
Milepost 81 