by Matt Rodriguez

I am a guppy—I mean yuppie. Although I dislike the negative connotations this social classification presents, I am a young urban professional that, according to global economic statistics, lives in an economically privileged state. Whereas almost half the world live on less than $2.50 a day, I enjoy MET-Rx bars, Gap jeans, The Office DVDs, and my iPhone. Even water, I have plenty of it that doesn’t contain potentially deadly cholera, typhoid, botulism, dysentery, and e-coli. Unlike the 1.1 billion that suffer without clean water, I pout when needing to drink from public water fountains rather than enjoy water packaged in shiny bottles.

And when I eat, I demand quality ingredients: grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, wheat bread, ripe mangos. I complain when eating fast food or other lesser-quality cuisines. Although eating healthy is important, my problem stems from my ungrateful expectation of fine food. But I have a hunch I’m not the only person with demanding expectations—20% of the world’s wealthiest consume 45% of all meat and fish—the poorest 20% only 5%.

And time, I spend lots of it watching Mexican cooking shows, reading spiritual books, and cross-training at the Landry Fitness Center. I obsess about nutrition—measuring fat calories, grams of protein, and high fructose corn syrup. But one thing I often neglect is my Omega-3. Yes, fish oil is good for my body but what I’m referencing is my spiritual Omega-Three.

The Bible says that God is the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8), the beginning and the end. He existed from the very beginning of time—and He will be there in the end. In fact, He transcends time—He steps in and out whenever He desires. Truly, God is bigger than anything I can conceptualize.

And God consists of three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. Although each person is distinct, they share in one essence. Christians describe this relationship as the Trinity. God is three persons in one being. Perfectly three-in-one.

What’s amazing is that our Triune God chooses to come close to us when we need Him. One example is when Jesus took on humanity and chose to dwell in ancient Palestine over 2000 years ago. He stepped into time to draw close to us—to eternally satisfy our spiritual hunger.

Having looked up, Jesus saw a bustling crowd coming toward Him. He turned to Philip and asked,

“‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Philip answered him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’

Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish” (John 6:5b–11 NIV).

Jesus, our Alpha and Omega, second person in the Trinity, is ready to satisfy your spiritual hunger. Will you let Him?

Note: A special thanks to Ilie Ciorba for creating the online tutorial on how to create a clown fish in Adobe Illustrator.