Tuesday, September 4, 2012

September 5, 2012

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness" II Peter 1:5a
 
A woman was preparing to fix a roast for a dinner party she would be hosting. Her teen-aged daughter, who was helping her, watched as her mother cut several inches off each end of the roast prior to putting it in the pan.

"Mom," the daughter asked, "Why did you cut the end of the roast off?"

"Because I always do it," Mother replied.

"But why do you do it?"

"Well, I don't know. I guess I do it because my mother always did it"

"Why don't you call grandma and asked her why she always cut the ends off her roasts," the daughter urged.

"Good Idea!" said the mother as she picked up the phone and dialed the number, "Hello, mother, it is Betty. I have a question to ask you."

"Hi, Honey! What can I do for you?" answered the grandmother.

"I am preparing a roast and I just cut an inch from each end of the roast and Jenny asked me why I did it and I said it was because you always did. Why did you do that, mom?"

"Well, Honey, that is easy! I only had an 8" pan!" she replied, "I don't know why you do it!"

It is important to understand why you do the things you do. Granted, cutting the end off a roast is not a deal-breaker but it illustrates a bigger point of having a purpose for what you do.

As Peter challenges believers to grow spiritually he confronts them with this very truth. God has provided everything needed to become godly but it won't happen accidentally or casually. He urges, "Make every effort".

Are you making every effort to develop your faith?

Are you taking responsibility for your spiritual growth?

Are you living on purpose?

Is discipleship your top priority?