“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” (2 Timothy 1:5 NLT)
The good things that have been passed down to you only become of value, if you use them. Let me give you an example and an encouraging word.
Yesterday I made dinner for two, using a recipe that was passed down to me by one person I have known for over 46 years, a person who probably had it passed down from her mom. The recipe is for chicken salad, and if you use it, I’m telling you that it will taste so good that people will question whether you really made it or did you buy it somewhere. This morning, I’m going to pass it on to you. But first, know that I’m passing on a recipe that will be enough for a dinner or lunch for two, and you will have enough left over for a couple of sandwiches. Are you ready? Okay! You take two cans of premium white chicken meat in water, drain the water, and empty the contents in a bowl. Use a fork to break up the meat. Next, add three or four tablespoons (using a silverware tablespoon) of Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise and then four or five tablespoons of Miracle Whip. Stir it up good! Layer the top of your mixed dish with a light covering of Splenda. Now, cut up about 10 green grapes into little pieces. Add them to the dish. Finally, take two long pieces of celery. Going from top to bottom of each piece, cut them in half. Take each half and cut them into very small pieces. Add them to your dish. Finally, stir it all up! I usually don’t even taste it anymore. I just put it in the refrigerator to chill until mealtime.
I have passed down this recipe to you, and thus you have an actual example of someone passing something down to you that came from generations before you. I’m sharing it, passing it down to you as it was passed down to me. However, remember the recipe will only become of value if you use it.
That was the example. Now for the best part! Now for the encouraging word. In the same way, the faith has been passed down to you, realize that it only becomes of value to you if it, the faith, continues strong in you. I encourage you to continue in the faith, a faith that becomes evident by your actions. And you need to note that you have enough faith, but it only becomes strong as you use it. Faith is a good thing, but as suggested in the opening premise, it only becomes of values if you use it.
Trying the chicken salad, consider that as optional. Taking to heart the encouraging word about faith is something you should not opt out of. I know you have the prerogative to do what you decide what you do. Nevertheless, I encourage you to live out the strong faith, that faith which was passed down to you! Stay God-conscious today! Walk by faith today! Let your faith ring out lively and loud! Have a great Friday! Be blessed!
“… also faith without actions is dead.” (James 2:26b The Good News Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King