ATTENTION IS REQUIRED
Quote for Today
“[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”
- C.S. Lewis
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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
2 Timothy 1:5-6 (NIV®)
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God.”
REFLECTION
SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES WORK ON OUR PART
Paul wanted Timothy to understand his spiritual growth was going to require work on his part. Timothy had seen the faith of his mother and grandmother, and Paul had invested in him greatly. But Timothy could not be complacent and rest on the spiritual laurels of others; he would have to actively “fan into flame the gift of God” himself. I grew up in the country, tending animals and doing all the chores that go along with that. I was often reminded the grass doesn’t stay cut, the cows don’t stay milked, and the stalls don’t stay clean. All of these are reminders that attention is required to get the results you want. The same is true about the condition of our hearts. The notion that we can say a prayer and all our business with God is done is nonsense. Even the sincerest faith requires consistent care and attention.
- Allen Jackson
ATTENTION IS REQUIRED
SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES WORK ON OUR PART
In 2 Peter 1:3-8, Peter reminds the Church “God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” He then lists sequential spiritual growth steps that will make us “more productive and useful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” God really has given us everything we need.
Allen Jackson
Heavenly Father, I choose Jesus as Lord of my life—may His name be honoured through my life and efforts. Forgive me for when I have passively left my spiritual life unattended. Help me grow and mature spiritually. I intend to choose paths of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Allen Jackson
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