Taking A Chance?

Ever heard of the 50/50/90 rule? It expresses the idea that anytime one has a 50/50 chance of getting something right, there is a 90 percent probability they will get it wrong. That does not speak very well of leaving things to chance, especially with regard to spiritual matters. There is no purpose in chance. There is no planning in chance. Where can there be any hope with chance? Life must be approached on a more serious level.

An athlete doesn’t just leave the success of competition to chance, but goes into “strict training” ( 1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV) so as to be able to win the prize. The hopes of a career coming along by chance could destine one to standing in the unemployment line or settling for a less fulfilling occupation. In the same way, spiritual growth does not just happen all by itself. Maintaining a proper focus and direction in this world is often like the struggle to swim upstream. Without DILIGENT EFFORT we will find ourselves merely going with the flow.

After Peter urged the adding of virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love to faith, he went on to exhort…
“(8) For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. (10) 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 1:8-10 ESV)

Life left to chance will leave plenty of room for stumbling and falling. If life is approached without a plan that aims toward a specific goal, who knows what roads one may end up traveling! Life left to chance leaves no assurance regarding the final destination. To live life based on chance is the worst kind of gamble to make because the stakes are high (the soul’s eternal destination) and the odds are against it. (note Matthew 7:13-14)

It is true that we do not merit our salvation, but are cleansed by the blood of Jesus ( 1 John 1:7) and saved by the grace of God. ( Ephesians 2:8-10) However, we must still purposely pursue a life of godliness, being “DILIGENT to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” ( 2 Peter 3:14) As has been rightly stated: “To fail to plan is to plan to fail.” May our life be marked by DILIGENT effort in seeking the things of God and to please Him. In our continuing relationship with Him through Christ the odds are established in our favor.

Have a great day ASSURED OF THE BLESSINGS IN CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Christian Growth