A Different Kind of Test

I’m a little late to the game in reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma, a book about what we eat, where it came from, how it found it’s way to our table, and what it really cost. It’s a fascinating and well-written, and sometimes disturbing, book.

One of the sections is about the organic food industry, and how some are into organic farming out of expediency rather than principle. I was struck by this quote by a farmer:

You know what the best kind of organic certification would be? Make an unannounced visit to a farm and take a good long look at the farmer’s bookshelf. Because what you’re feeding your emotions and thoughts is what this is really all about. The way I produce a chicken is an extension of my worldview. You can learn more about that by seeing what’s sitting on my bookshelf than having me fill out a whole bunch of forms.

I’ve sat on my share of ordination councils. I’ve interviewed my fair share of pastors and potential elders. I’ve also done membership interviews. But I love this test: What are you feeding your emotions and thoughts?

Make an unannounced visit to someone’s house. Check out their books, magazines, Feedly account, Twitter account, and TV watching habits. Find out what they’re feeding their emotions and their thoughts. That is what they are really all about. It’s a much more accurate test than what will take place in a formal interview.

It’s a test I’m giving myself right now.