For the Law never made anything perfect—but instead a better hope is introduced through which we [now] come close to God. Hebrews 7:19 (AMP)
My friend Kayleigh is 15 years younger than me, but 15 times more serious in the kitchen. While I am an adequate cook, Kayleigh pours through recipe books to discover the next great recipe. When our church had a dessert contest for a lady’s event, Kayleigh spent all day making chocolate ganache tarts and she won first prize!
When it came to encouraging believers to display the name of Jesus Christ well, the apostle Paul wanted Christians to move beyond “good” to become “great.” Ephesians chapter four is a recipe for how believers should live. “Thieves must quit stealing and, instead, they must work hard. They should do something good with their hands so that they’ll have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28, AMP). Stealing is bad, working hard is better, doing good and sharing with others is great!
In the Old Testament God gave the Law—rules and regulations to guide the Israelites in doing good. In the New Testament, as followers of Jesus Christ, good is not good enough. We must go a step beyond. We must allow Jesus to fill our hearts and guide our lives. While I’m a fine cook, it’s the great cooks and bakers who win contests. While I can live a good life on my own, with Jesus strengthening me, I can give beyond my desire, share beyond my ability, and love beyond myself.
Jesus knows we can’t go from good to great without Him. All we have to do is ask Him to take over control of our lives on a daily basis. And the most wonderful part is not the great things He guides us to do…but the deepening relationship with Him through the process!
Faith Step: Think of something great a friend has done—something that you know was only accomplished through Jesus Christ. Then write a note letting your friend know that his or her model is one you are thankful for and strive to follow.
