By raising the temperature of water by just one degree; from 211 degrees to 212 degrees makes the difference between water being merely very hot to something that generates enough force to power huge machines.
It can serve as a reminder that seemingly small things can make tremendous differences. Our culture has been steadily moving away from a strong work ethic that embraces excellence in every part of your life.
Have you noticed how many commercials on television promote methods of achieving your goals with little or no effort? You have probably heard them encouraging you to lose weight without exercise or dieting. Just sit in your favorite easy chair eating ice cream while watching television with your special vibrating waist belt on and pounds of belly fat will melt away. What a way to lose weight!
The Bible teaches us to give full effort, hard work and excellence in order to achieve our God given goals.
The following phrases appear in II. Peter 1:5-11:
-Make every effort to respond to God’s promises.
-Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence,
- The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
-Work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.
-But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.-Do these things, and you will never fall away.
I am not presenting a works verses grace teaching. Giving our best is part of moving forward in faith as we respond to the amazing grace that we have received.
We don’t work hard to be more productive to be accepted by God. Rather, we are already loved and accepted by God, and this revelation compels us to be more productive for God.
How many opportunities have we missed because we were not aware of the possibilities that would occur if we applied a small amount of effort beyond what we normally do?
Many times we are only one degree away from a powerful breakthrough! (211 to 212)
Blessing,
Mike Rose
