Going Up The Down Escalator
Have you ever gone up the down escalator? I recall undertaking this task in my youth, motivated by the desire to reach the top despite the difficulty involved. If you have ever tried or even thought about going up the down escalator, you might agree that it would take a lot of intentional steps. If you stop for even a moment, then you will soon find yourself back at the bottom.
Christian Escalator
As I thought about going up this down escalator, I likened it to leading a Christian life. Too often people think being a Christian is like riding the escalator the proper way and gently stepping off when the next level is reached. Truth to be told however, it takes a lot of intentional steps along the way. Like going up the down escalator. The world in which we live begs for us to pause long enough to find ourselves back at the bottom again. To lead a Christian life, we must be intentional in our walk with God. 2 Peter 1:5-7 says, “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”
Can I Do It?
My friends, that is quite a few steps. How am I going to accomplish this task set before me? I’m not sure I can take that many steps to make it to the top… We cannot do it alone, so it might be best if we just take one step at a time. Start that first intentional step by studying God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Take the next step by praying (James 1:5). Remembering that we can turn to Jesus for strength when we feel like pausing (Philippians 4:13). Then, seeking encouraging support through a church community, by taking those steps together with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). Through faith then, each intentional step towards a Godly life will keep you and me on the rise against downward forces (Hebrews 12:1). Best of all, it gives us the assurance that Jesus is with us every step of the way. Knowing He is there during each pause in our spiritual walk, when we start drifting the wrong way.
One Step At A Time
With this confidence, there will be a sense of accomplishment found in each small step. Each step forward then, becomes a victory worth celebrating knowing He is there (Matthew 28:20). Consider identifying strategies today to thoughtfully enhance and supplement your faith. Then you will find that going up the down escalator will become effortless when you are filled with the kindness and love of God. And when the downward forces of the world darken your day, the light found in Jesus’ love will fill your heart with joy knowing He will take you to the next level.
Dear Jesus, help me to live my life according to your ways and give me the courage to walk up the down escalator. Amen.
2 Peter 1:5-7
2 Timothy 3:16-17
James 1:5
Philippians 4:13
Hebrews 10:24-25
Hebrews 12:1
Matthew 28:20
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
2 Peter 1:5-7
Confirm Your Calling and Election
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
James 1:5
Testing of Your Faith
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Philippians 4:13
God’s Provision
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Hebrews 10:24-25
The Full Assurance of Faith
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 12:1
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 28:20
The Great Commission
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”