Continually Building

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.  2 Peter 1:5-9

I witnessed a celebration of a woman’s life this past weekend.  Although there was time for mourning, there was also an abundance of joy and good feelings.  It made me reflect on my own life.  What impact did my life have on others?  How would I be remembered?  Would my life be reflective of my own desires or God’s will?  The reality is none of those thoughts mattered.  What matters is the things I do with my life today and ensure I build on it beyond that.

Each day we are given on earth is a gift from God where we can have great impact.  When we were forgiven of our sins through God’s grace, guilt was removed for our past transgressions and failures.  Today becomes an opportunity.  You do not have to rescue dozens of people from a burning fire to make a difference.  Opening the door for someone, giving a hug to a friend in need, or just showing up for a child or sick person show others of God’s love in your heart.  The only thing we cannot do as Christians is simply nothing.

Following Jesus Christ is a choice, but making it is worthwhile.  A friend wrote a letter to the President bring attention to a problem in the educational system.  She did not do it for publicity or fame.  She just was hoping to make a difference in her daughter’s life.  Her letter was later published in the Washington Post and has brought great awareness of the topic.  Just show up!  God’s love is unconditional, and our action, while not giving us salvation, is a natural byproduct of our growing relationship with Him.  Are you building along the way of your journey of faith?  What can you add to your faith?  My prayer is that we challenge ourselves to continually build on our faith today and beyond.  Amen.