The 11 Spices of a Christian

You’ve probably heard the story — how Colonel Harland Sanders crafted a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that turned a gas station chicken recipe into one of the most famous meals in the world. Unique. Studied. Refined. Trademarked.

But here’s the thing: Even KFC isn’t for everyone.

Some like it, some don’t. Some crave it. Some pass it by.

And maybe…that’s the message today. Because I think Christians — real, imperfect, gospel-driven people — have their own 11 spices too. And we’re not everyone’s taste either.

🧂 The Blend of a Believer

We are not mass produced. We are seasoned by time. By trial. By truth. And every one of us brings something different to the plate.

Here’s what I think makes up the 11 Spices of a Christian:

1. Faith – The core. The base. The first layer of everything.

2. Forgiveness – Not just receiving it… but giving it where it hurts.

3. Grief – Because to love deeply is to lose deeply.

4. Grit – Showing up again when everything in you wants to give up.

5. Empathy – The ability to feel what others won’t say.

6. Patience – When the answer is slow… or not yet.

7. Conviction – The fire that keeps your yes firm and your no honest.

8. Silence – Knowing when not to speak, and just be there.

9. Joy – Not the kind that performs — the kind that radiates.

10. Endurance – Because the walk is long, and the road curves.

11. Love – Unconditional. Unexplainable. Undeserved. And yet… offered anyway.

🥘 The Recipe Ain’t for Everyone

Let’s be real: Some people are going to pass you by. Some will misunderstand your flavor. Some will say you’re too bold. Too soft. Too salty. Too bland.

But someone out there is hungry — not for perfection, but for presence. For truth. For a message that lands quietly, but sticks.

And maybe, just maybe…you’re someone’s recipe. Not because you preach. But because you show up. Because your story tastes like real life. Because when they meet you — or read your words — something shifts inside them. And Heaven gets one step closer.

🧢 My Encouragement Today

Don’t water down your blend. Don’t try to please every palate. Don’t apologize for the ingredients God stirred into your soul.

The Colonel had 11 spices. But you? You’ve got something eternal.

And even if only one person ever gets a taste —That’s enough.

Because that one soul matters. And your life… might be their first bite of grace.