Good Morning,
In 1930, housewives were introduced to a new product that was sure to make their baking much simpler. General Mills introduced their first line of cake mixes which were “nothing added but water” - however sales slumped badly! Then for the first time a focus group was put together and from that group companies, like General Mills, learned that the housewives wanted to feel like they had contributed more to the cake than just adding water. So, they replaced the dried egg product in their mixes, with the directions to add two fresh eggs. Sales soared as the American housewives now had a bigger role in producing a delicious cake!
When we are saved by grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not have to add anything. Christ has completed all the work that is necessary for our salvation. Praise Him! We read in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” So, what does this mean to you and I today? If you have repented of your sin and put your faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are as saved as you can ever be, and nothing you can do is able to add to that fact, or take away from it. We should have confidence in Christ that He is all that is needed for salvation. How can this affect the way we live?
By having confidence in Christ, it gives us hope and peace. This hope and peace that passes all understanding should be seen by those around us. It should be something that “draws” people to us as they see us living in such a way that it makes an impression on them.
We read in 1 Peter 3:15-16a, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience”. Do people ask you why you seem so hopeful? Is the way you face life day to day “drawing” others to you? Look how Peter says we should respond. He wrote that our answer should be with gentleness and respect. It should be easier for me to share with others about the life changing hope that only Christ can give when I realize that I had nothing to do with it. I did not have to add anything to the work of Christ for my salvation, and I need to share that life changing, hope filled message with everyone I meet. I pray that as you seek the Lord today, you look for opportunities to share this message of hope in Christ Jesus!
Irvin Reynolds
Minister of Education
