A kind and wealthy nobleman had determined to share his bounty with the people of his village. Each evening he would send his servants into the streets and alleys and among the people, to invite them to come and feast at his table.
While the generous invitation was open to all, there were some conditions the nobleman imposed, before the villagers were allowed to pass through the gate and enter into the vast dining hall. Each night a feast of the finest, most savory meats and vegetables was provided to all who had qualified to enter.
So it was that each day the servants would go out to invite villagers to the feast, and each night the hall would fill with those who qualified to enter. The nobleman rejoiced as he saw the joy in the faces of those who eagerly, gratefully devoured the succulent food and he hoped that scene would always be repeated.
But it came to pass that over time the nobleman noted that some of his regular feasters were no longer attending the feast. While there always seemed to be a few new faces in the group, he sorely missed those who had dined with him for years, but who were now gone. With great concern he sent forth his servants to discover why.
The servants soon reported back bringing news that caused the nobleman much concern. Many of those who no longer came to the feast, mentioned that they could no longer digest the rich foods that were provided. They had found the food to be causing indigestion and sometimes even illness. Others reported that they had simply lost their taste for the rich flavors. The servants also discovered that some among those who had been invited to the feast and who were otherwise qualified, had also been choosing not to partake, because they preferred a blander, more common food.
Though the nobleman was surprised, since he cared so much about the people of the village, and desired so much to feed them, he commissioned his chefs to find, softer, less flavored, but still nourishing foods to offer at the feasts. His strategy soon worked and some of former diners returned to the feast while others who had initially refused the invitation, began to accept and to join the feast. In that way the number of guests slowly began again to increase.
Occasionally the old timers, those who had dined with the nobleman for many years and had partaken of the rich meats and relished in their deep flavors, would feel a longing for the succulent feasts of days gone by…. but then they would behold the return of their many friends to the table, the increase in the number of new villagers coming to the feast and most of all, the great joy such things brought to the countenance of their gracious host. Seeing such joy from their master, they would quickly set aside the longings for the past, and find peace and contentment, even rejoicing, in the joy of their Lord.
John 16:12, I Corinthians 3:2, D & C 19:22-23