Some Assembly Required

Nº 162 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - September 7, 2021

When I speak of a person “growing in grace,” I mean simply this – that his sense of sin is becoming deeper, her faith stronger, his hope brighter, her love more extensive, his spiritual-mindedness more marked. He feels more of the power of godliness in his own heart. He manifests is more in his life. She is going on from strength to strength, from faith to faith, and from grace to grace. - J.C. Ryle

Our new bed arrived in many parts: headboard, footboard, frames, slats, nuts, bolts, and even a few tools to help with the assembly. The company provided everything we needed, but we had to put it all together. I was a little overwhelmed, but the clear instructions explained the required steps to complete the task. Having all the pieces yet being responsible for assembly is not unlike the Christian life. Peter told his readers, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. . . (but he goes on) . . .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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” (2 Peter 1:3a, 5-7) God has provided all we need to build a life that honors Him and is defined by love, but some assembly is required. Fortunately, God’s Word outlines specific instructions explaining the pathway to a life of love. It starts with a commitment to goodness, then knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and finally love. Don’t be overwhelmed. Don’t quit. Follow the steps God provides and build a life that honors Him.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc