Making It Happen!

It is much easier to go the way of least resistance. However, where will such flow take us? Is that uncertainty a risk we are willing to take in life? A number of years ago I heard a statement that went something like this: “There are two kinds of people in this world; those who watch things happen and those who make things happen!” There are many important things which require DILIGENT action in order to make them happen! This is no truer than when it comes to spiritual development.

In a recent bulletin article dealing with getting back into the habit of daily Bible reading, a preacher noted how routines are like water which follows the course of least resistance and that is why people fall into them. In contrast he then pointed out that disciplined behaviors are like pushing water uphill. Though that may not be easy, it can be done with some definite actions to make it happen. We must bear in mind the development of good habits and godly character does not just happen by itself. Such is learned and increased over time. And it occurs through DILIGENCE and DEVOTION to a plan which has an eternity with God in mind.

Writing to the young evangelist, Timothy, Paul exhorted…
“(12) Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. … (15) PRACTICE THESE THINGS, DEVOTE YOURSELF TO THEM, so that all may see your progress. (16) keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. PERSIST IN THIS, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” ( 1 Timothy 4:12 & 15-16 ESV)

The tense of the Greek words translated “practice”, “devote”, and “persist” in these two verses are all in the imperative. It is essential to make a conscious effort to keep from simply being swept along by the flow of other ideas and practices in this world.

After Peter had noted qualities which we are to put forth “EVERY EFFORT” to accompany our faith ( 2 Peter 1:5-7), he urged…
“Therefore, brothers, BE ALL THE MORE DILIGENT to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” ( 2 Peter 1:10 ESV)

Again, “diligent” is in the imperative. And did you note that such DILIGENCE can keep us from falling? It is imperative we recognize an eternity is at stake! May we DEVOTE ourselves to the “course” God has laid before us. Certainly there may be times we will feel we are swimming upstream, but onward and upward is the call ( Philippians 3:14) to which we are to continue responding. With the help of God, let us daily seek to be of those who make things happen!

Have a great day BEING INHABITED BY GODLY HABITS!
Carl

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